Guernsey LGBTQ+ charity celebrates 10th birthday

CEO Ellie Jones said it had "been a privilege to be a part of the huge change"

Guernsey's LGBTQ+ charity Liberate is celebrating its 10th birthday on Thursday.

The charity was founded in 2014 to "include, inform and support" LGBTQ+ communities across the Channel Islands.

Liberate has marked the introduction of same sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws and hosted Channel Islands Pride since its inception.

CEO Ellie Jones said it had "been a privilege to be a part of the huge change" over the past 10 years.

Liberate will host a "Glitterati Party" at St Pierre Park on 2 March as part of its anniversary celebrations.

The charity has branches in Guernsey and Jersey, which were formed in February and August 2014, respectively.

'Major milestones'

Ms Jones said: "We've still got some major milestones to go but today we are focusing on the progress we've made over the past decade.

"It's been a heck of a journey so far."

As part of the charity's ongoing work in the Channel Islands, Liberate will be launching a new kitemark for businesses to show that they are a safe inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people along with a "Pride Certified" accreditation programme for organisations.

Organisations will be provided with a window sticker to demonstrate their participation, in return for pledging to notify and work with Liberate to resolve any issues.

Channel Islands Pride returns to Guernsey on 7 September.