Community and Belonging

A blanket ban on social media for under-16s may sound like protection, but for many LGBTQ young people it could cut off one of the few safe routes to support, language, and belonging. The UK’s push to make the internet safer for children comes from a real concern. Young people can face bullying, harmful content, grooming, addiction-style app design, and pressure that adults barely understand themselves. None of that should be brushed aside. But a ban is a blunt tool. It treat

Every June, Pride Month brings vibrant celebrations of identity, love, and community. With my local Pride festival just around the corner, I find myself torn. On one hand, Pride is a time to honour freedom and self-expression. On the other, I’ve noticed a growing presence of sexual fetish displays at these events. These festivals are meant to be welcoming and family-friendly, yet some of the costumes and behaviours seem out of place, especially with children attending. This r

When I first transferred to the 1350 Fareham Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC), no one knew about my sexuality. I kept it to myself, unsure of how others would react. The fear of being judged or bullied weighed heavily on me. But soon, the truth came out—not through me, but through the whispers and gossip that spread from school to the squadron. What happened next surprised me in ways I never expected. Facing the Unknown in a New Environment At school, I had faced some

When my dad first signed me up for the Air Cadets, I wasn’t thrilled. It felt like something I had to do rather than wanted to do. But over time, that feeling changed. Moving from Stanmore to Fareham brought a fresh start and a new squadron to join: the 1350 Squadron, located just next to the Titchfield roundabout. This change marked the beginning of a surprising journey where I found enjoyment, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Discovering 1098 Squadron The 1350 Squadron