About The Bristol
LGBTQ+ Coalition
On This Page:
Introduction
In an increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people, we unite grassroots LGBTQ+ groups and charitable organisations serving the LGBTQ+ community across Bristol. As a coalition, we work to strengthen support for our community, build the resilience of our sector, and create and amplify a collective voice.
Our strategic direction is set by the community, with a Steering Group of 12 LGBTQ+ community groups and charities.
The Bristol LGBTQ+ Coalition is hosted by Voscur, the local support and development agency for Bristol’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.
Our vision
The Bristol LGBTQ+ Coalition aims to unite Bristol’s diverse LGBTQ+ communities with a centralised forum, working together and using our collective voice to make positive change for local LGBTQ+ people.
We also support community groups and organisations to develop and grow – we want to see an LGBTQ+ community with thriving, well-funded and cohesive support services, as well as a vibrant cultural and social scene.
What we do
The Bristol LGBTQ+ Coalition works across many areas to improve life for LGBTQ+ people.
We advocate for the needs of local LGBTQ+ people, ensuring representation in key decision-making spaces across the city and campaigning on issues that matter to our members.
We provide support to LGBTQ+ charities, social enterprises, and community groups. We offer free training sessions on a range of topics, peer support opportunities, and links to one-to-one advice through Voscur.
Our events provide an opportunity for community organisers to come together, network, share skills and resources, and discuss the issues that matter most.
As well as our support directly for the LGBTQ+ community, we also provide resources to ensure that non-LGBTQ+-led organisations can feel confident including LGBTQ+ communities in their work.
Why we exist
We believe that our local LGBTQ+ community deserve better.
Research shows that LGBTQ+ people, both nationally and locally, face well above average rates of poor mental health. The media landscape is stigmatising, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime is on the rise.
Services for LGBTQ+ people locally, which are often volunteer-led, face high demand. However, reports show that LGBTQ+ organisations receive less funding than other equalities groups.
In 2023, when this project began, there was no central LGBTQ+ organisation advocating for this community’s needs.
By providing a centralised forum, we hope to connect the many voices that make up our community and, together, advocate for the changes that will make the biggest difference.
Funders
The Bristol LGBTQ+ Coalition is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund until October 2027.
Thank you to National Lottery players!
