Are you ready to connect, grow, and celebrate who you are? "Empower in Pride" is a youth exchange bringing together LGBTQ+ youth from Italy, Spain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belgium and other EU countries, and we want YOU to be part of it!
This project is all about self-acceptance, pride, and building a strong community. It’s a chance for you to meet other young people who’ve faced similar struggles, whether that’s dealing with discrimination, harsh societal norms, or just trying to find acceptance in a world that doesn’t always understand. If you’ve ever felt isolated or you couldn’t fully express who you are, this is your space to thrive and be yourself.
What you’ll do:
- Group activities & workshops: Dive into creative, interactive sessions designed to help you explore your identity, share your experiences, and build your confidence. You’ll reflect on your own journey while learning from others.
- Outdoor team-building adventures: From group challenges to bonding activities in nature, you’ll get to strengthen your connections with fellow participants and build lifelong friendships.
- Cultural exchange: You’ll meet people from all over Europe and beyond, learning how LGBTQ+ issues are tackled in different countries. Whether you’re from a more progressive country or one with oppressive laws, this exchange will open your eyes to new perspectives.
- Safe space for self-expression: Whether you’ve faced harsh conditions like in Georgia and Azerbaijan or cultural stigma in places like Italy, this project creates a safe, judgment-free environment where you can be proud of who you are.
Why it matters: In some countries, LGBTQ+ youth deal with severe social and legal repression, while in others, cultural stigma still holds them back. "Empower in Pride" is designed to give you the tools, confidence, and support to stand tall and take pride in who you are, no matter where you come from. You’ll find a community that understands you, a network that will support you, and the strength to be an advocate for change.
By the end of this exchange, you’ll leave with:
- Stronger self-acceptance and pride in your identity.
- A powerful sense of belonging and community.
- New friendships with people from different countries and cultures.
- The skills and confidence to stand up to discrimination and be a leader for LGBTQ+ rights in your own community.
Let’s build a future where we can all thrive, together. If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful and life-changing, sign up for Empower in Pride!
Practicalities
- This Youth Exchange is not yet confirmed, we will know for certain if it will take place (or not) in January.
- Takes place in Italy
- Dates to be confirmed
Apply below to show your interest!
Sidenote: Applying does not guarantee your place on the Youth Exchange, but it does give you a better chance as you will be contacted as one of the first to apply, when the project is confirmed.