The LGBT Foundation is launching a national initiative to gather real-life accounts from LGBTQ+ people, family members and allies across the UK. This project aims to highlight the power of ordinary interactions — the brief encounters and gentle acts that build confidence, belonging and visible pride. The emphasis is on authenticity rather than production value: you do not need professional experience to take part. If a simple exchange, a domestic routine or a moment of support changed how you felt, it could help others understand what it means to live openly. The foundation wants stories that feel honest and human, suitable for use in a variety of public-facing channels.
The campaign focuses on everyday moments that carry emotional weight: incidents that might seem small at the time but speak to acceptance, solidarity and community. By collecting these accounts the campaign aims to create a mosaic of contemporary LGBTQ+ life that counters stereotypes and highlights connection across generations and backgrounds. Submissions may contribute to short films, social content, out-of-home advertising, written features or archives. Participants can expect their story to be handled with care and can ask questions about use and consent via email at [email protected] before deciding to proceed.
What kinds of stories are needed
The organisers are seeking accounts that capture belonging, confidence, small acts of bravery and moments of visible support. Think about the times when a gesture, a conversation or an ordinary routine helped you feel seen. Examples might include holding hands in public, a goodbye kiss at a station, cooking with chosen family, or coming out at work and being accepted. The focus is on the concrete detail — the sound, the setting, the words that mattered — so contributors should describe the moment vividly. The definition of a powerful story here is not grandness but meaning: a brief exchange that shifted how someone experienced the world.
Examples to inspire your submission
To spark ideas, consider everyday scenes: a parent attending Pride to show support, two people sharing the school run like any other family, a friend stepping in to defend you, or leaving a salon feeling more like yourself. These snapshots are the sort of material the campaign hopes to surface. They illustrate both allyship and personal milestones in ways that resonate widely. When you write your submission, focus on clarity and feeling — where you were, who was there, what happened, and why it mattered. Small sensory details often make a story memorable to broader audiences.
How selected stories may be used
Stories chosen for inclusion could appear across multiple platforms to reach diverse audiences. Potential uses include out-of-home advertising, editorial features, short-form video, audio oral histories, social media posts, blogs and supporter communications. The goal is to place authentic voices in spaces where they can prompt connection and understanding. Contributors will be informed about the contexts in which their accounts may appear and can request clarification about editorial treatment. If you have concerns about public exposure, the team encourages you to raise them early by contacting the foundation at [email protected].
Consent, privacy and support
Participation is voluntary and the foundation is upfront about consent and usage. You will be given the opportunity to discuss how your story will be presented, whether you prefer anonymity, and the scope of distribution. The organisation aims to balance visibility with participant safety, especially for people whose circumstances mean public identification carries risk. Support is available during the process, and clear channels are provided for withdrawing consent or asking questions. Being open about these safeguards helps ensure contributors feel respected and informed throughout the campaign.
Who the campaign especially wants to hear from
While all genuine accounts are welcome, the project is particularly keen to amplify voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream campaigns. The team wants contributions from trans and non-binary people, people of colour — including East Asian and South East Asian communities — older LGBTQ+ people, disabled LGBTQ+ people, and those who identify as bisexual or pansexual. The campaign also invites parents, family members, allies and loved ones whose perspectives highlight the support networks that matter. No media expertise is required: the most valuable element is a real, meaningful moment that communicates connection or acceptance.
If you would like to take part or learn more, the easiest next step is to express interest through the LGBT Foundation’s channels and to raise any questions by emailing [email protected]. Sharing a short description of your moment is all that’s needed to start a conversation about how it might be used to celebrate everyday hope, joy and unity across the UK.