Free Pride Morning Supports Young LGBTQIA+ Community in Launceston

Creating a space to mark International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, the Can-Do Crew at Starting Point Neighbourhood House hosted a free pride event for young people aged 18 to 24. The gathering took place in Launceston, Tasmania on 20 May and ran in partnership with the Tasmanian Health Service. The event offered attendees an opportunity to take part in pride-related activities and enjoy a morning tea in the company of their peers.

Community Connection and Inclusion
The pride morning at Starting Point Neighbourhood House aimed to foster a sense of belonging among LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies in the local area. By opening its doors at no cost, the organisation ensured that young adults who may not have frequent access to community resources had a chance to gather in a supportive environment. The partnership with the Tasmanian Health Service added a layer of comfort and reassurance, creating a network of wellbeing support during the event.

Providing a Safe Gathering Space
For local families and young people in Launceston, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+, events like this help pave the way for more open conversations and acceptance. Starting Point Neighbourhood House demonstrated its role in the neighbourhood as a facilitator of social inclusion. While the primary benefit for attendees was the experience of a welcoming gathering to mark an important calendar day, the celebration also helped to make community support for LGBTQIA+ inclusion more visible. Participants could connect with one another, share experiences, and see that organisations in their city are prepared to stand alongside them against discrimination.

By hosting this IDAHOBIT Day pride event, Starting Point Neighbourhood House contributed to positive social outcomes, even if on a small scale. For those present, it meant a morning of togetherness, visibility, and affirmation that the local community values diversity and inclusion.