In the last month we’ve celebrated several awareness days and held a quiz for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). We’ve also been getting stuck into the books in our new Queer library, and having enjoyed the new Netflix show Heartstopper we’re excited that WH Smith have donated volumes 2 – 4 of the graphic novels to our Queer library. Plus one of our adult leaders has been nominated for a National Diversity Award in the Positive LGBT Role Model category. Their nomination features their work in promoting STEM to young people with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ scientists, as well as being a co-founder of Aces in STEM, working with Schools Out UK, and of course volunteering with Out of the Can. We think Sarah aka “Science Lady” is pretty awesome, and we’re really proud. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for Sarah.
Finally, June marks the start of summer and Pride Month. This year we celebrate 50 years since the first Pride march in the UK, so it’s exciting to see that after three years without one, Swindon’s Pride march returns this August. And while the full Swindon & Wiltshire Pride event isn’t going ahead this year, we are speaking with the organisers of the Swindon Pride Picnic to see how we can get involved.
Our Tuesday youth group will continue to run throughout the school holidays. We’re regularly seeing 35-40 members join us each week so it’s a great place to socialise with other LGBTQ+ young people. It’s fantastic to see Out of the Can thriving, and we hope to expand our services later this year.