The first Isle of Man Youth Pride attracted more than 200 young people.

The event was held at the Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre and organised by the Isle of Man Youth Service for those aged between 11 to 18 years old to celebrate and support those who distinguish themselves as LGBTQ+.

It was held in collaboration with members of the LGBTQ+ community and Isle of Pride, the Manx charity having donated £1,670 funding support after receiving a Recognition award from Celton Manx. Other sponsors were Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin and Nedbank.

The island’s Youth Service regularly holds junior clubs which cater for those aged eight to 11 . Youth clubs are for those aged 11 to 14 and senior projects forover 14s..

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Dr Alex Allinson opened the event.

The programme included workshops celebrating identity and diversity; drag performances by Vida La Fierce, Fenella Beach and Layla La Roux; live music from Soundcheck youth bands; sounds from DJ K3nny; face painting from Nicki Gaskell; and a drag queen lip sync challenge.

Also showing their support were gay rights campaigner Alan Shea, who spearheaded the campaign for gay sex to be decriminalised in the early 1990s, Reverend Alex Brown, mental health service representatives, the police and Isle of Gelato, which donated a cake.

An Isle of Pride event was meant to take place this year, but was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Chairman of Isle of Pride Clare Barber MHK said: ’After so many months when Covid-19 stalled our plans, we were so pleased to support the island’s first Youth Pride, thanks to grant funding from Culture Vannin and the Arts Council and our Recognition award from Celton Manx.

’Everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted and, crucially, respected. With this in mind we see Youth Pride as the first of many opportunities to celebrate, support and welcome young people into a safe, secure and inclusive LGBTQ-friendly environment.

’We’re also pledged to work with like-minded organisations to reach out to those among the wider community who may be confused about their sexuality or feeling marginalised or excluded.’

Isle of Pride was one of 20 local causes to have received a Celton Manx Recognition award.

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ’We were pleased to present Isle of Pride with a Recognition award and commend the charity’s efforts to promote respect and dignity across the Isle of Man community in all its diversity.

’It is thanks to Isle of Pride and other like-minded organisations that there is now a collective commitment to break the silence on discrimination and inequality and work together to change hearts and minds. In so doing, we can create a fairer society and an Isle of Man that is an even better place to be for generations to come.’

For parents and carers seeking LGBTQ+ support and advice, contact Isle of Man youth services’ Leanne Newbold on 686057, or email [email protected].