Pride in Nature
Sometimes the best ideas start with a simple question: "Can I just be myself here?"
For the young people in the Be You group, the answer was a resounding yes.
Designed for LGBTQ+ young people aged 14–17, Be You became much more than a fortnightly gathering. It was a place to build confidence, explore creativity and discover that nature has room for everyone. Whether discussing Queer Nature, creating zines, sharing stories or exploring environmental issues, every session encouraged young people to shape the project around their own interests.
Like many youth projects, the journey wasn't without a few unexpected plot twists. Staffing changes, organisational restructuring and safeguarding processes occasionally slowed things down. Thankfully, the young people proved that enthusiasm is much harder to derail than a timetable.
Ready to start again, exciting partnerships opened new doors. Meeting poet and environmental activist Leah Thorn and the inspiring a:dress project, participants are keen to explore fast fashion, sustainability and climate action through creative arts and design.
Perhaps the greatest success wasn't something that could be measured on a spreadsheet. It was the growing confidence of young people who increasingly felt able to share their opinions, lead discussions and influence the direction of the project.
Be You continues to demonstrate that environmental action doesn't always begin with muddy wellies and litter pickers. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, a sketchbook, a shared laugh and the confidence to say, "I've got an idea." This group has some amazing ideas including Zines exploring queer nature and creating eco themed drag personas. We hope to be back in September to see these plans bloom. When young people are given the freedom to be themselves, wonderful things happen, for people and for nature alike.