Schools, colleges and community youth groups are being invited to book places for the event on Friday 12 February 2027.
The Manchester-based LGBTQ+ youth charity will use contributions from young people to set its priorities and help them hold the organisation accountable for its work.
The summit is aimed at LGBTQ+ groups in secondary schools and colleges, alongside community LGBTQ+ youth groups. It will include opportunities to discuss their experiences and meet other young people.
Liam Swanston, director of development and partnerships at The Proud Trust, said, “We hear so much debate about LGBTQ+ young people, their rights and what their futures should look like, but we don't hear nearly enough from the young people themselves. Through this Summit and the Queer Youth Manifesto, we want to change that by listening to what they need, understanding what matters most to them and making sure their voices genuinely influence the work we do.”
The event follows the charity’s #DeserveBetter campaign, which calls for greater support for LGBTQ+ young people.
The Proud Trust says referrals to its services increased by 171% following the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers. Its campaign page does not specify the periods used for that comparison.
Research published by Just Like Us in 2021 found that 43% of LGBT+ pupils surveyed had been bullied in the previous year, compared with 21% of non-LGBT+ pupils. The research involved 2,934 pupils aged 11 to 18 across the UK.
Swanston said, “But this day isn't just about the challenges young people face. It's also about celebrating queer joy, building friendships and creating memories in a space where nobody has to explain or defend who they are. For a young person who feels alone or misunderstood, meeting others who share their experiences can make an extraordinary difference.”
The summit will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm at a central Manchester venue. The location will be shared after booking.
