ABOUT US

We believe being LGBTQIA+ shouldn't be a barrier to a prosperous life.

Our mission is to empower LGBTQIA+ young adults and engage wider society to address the systemic barriers of discrimination, poverty, and social disadvantage faced by young queer people for the broader public benefit. We equip them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through education, advocacy, and community programmes, we challenge inequality and foster a more inclusive society where every young person can succeed and live with dignity.

- Since 2019 -

Breaking Barriers
Empowering Futures

Blossom began in 2019 as a grassroots initiative, born from the living rooms of passionate volunteers committed to transforming the way LGBTQIA+ young adults connect, grow, and thrive. What started as a small idea soon uncovered a much larger challenge: the systemic barriers to stability, opportunity, and inclusion that disproportionately affect LGBTQIA+ young adults.

Over the years, we have grown into a leading, community-led organisation driving meaningful change across the United Kingdom. By our fifth anniversary, we had expanded our reach, delivering impactful programmes designed to promote equality, advance education, and relieve poverty for our service users. Our work focuses on breaking down the systemic and interpersonal barriers that prevent LGBTQIA+ people —particularly those under 30—from accessing sustainable employment, social inclusion, and economic stability.

Our ethos remains as strong as ever, with a dedication to creating a world where LGBTQIA+ young adults can overcome discrimination, thrive in safe and supportive communities, and access the tools and opportunities needed to succeed with dignity and purpose.

Our Vision

A world where LGBTQIA+ young adults live free from discrimination, poverty, and social disadvantage, thriving in inclusive communities where their potential is recognised, celebrated, and their rights are fully realised.

Our Audience

LGBTQIA+ young adults, aged 16–30, who are navigating the intersecting challenges of early adulthood & their identity, alongside wider society, employers, educators, and any other key stakeholder, who play a role in fostering inclusion and equality.

WHAT WE DO

Our purpose is to promote equality, diversity, wellbeing, and dignity for LGBTQIA+ young adults. We achieve this by conducting and sharing research that raises awareness of the challenges they face, advancing education and promoting understanding through workshops, talks, and educational programmes, and championing inclusive practices to eliminate discrimination in workplaces, communities, and public institutions.

With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, we provide tailored support that empowers our members to overcome isolation, build meaningful connections, and establish stable, fulfilling careers. Our uplifting and affirming approach enables LGBTQIA+ young adults to navigate the challenges they face, instilling confidence, pride, and resilience.

In addition, we are dedicated to relieving and preventing poverty, unemployment, and social disadvantage among LGBTQIA+ young adults. This is achieved through tailored mentoring, career guidance, employability programmes, and skills workshops that empower young people to succeed. We also create safe and supportive spaces that foster social connection and reduce isolation, while continuing to research and address the barriers to social and economic inclusion.

It’s our belief that true empowerment requires a holistic approach—one that not only tackles external obstacles but also supports the whole person. For many LGBTQIA+ young adults, the barriers to employment and stability are compounded by the effects of discrimination, exclusion, and economic insecurity. These experiences can erode confidence, limit access to vital skills, and diminish self-belief. To truly make a difference, we help young people rebuild from within, nurturing their sense of identity and potential while addressing the structural inequalities they face.

why we're free

We recognise that our service users would be unable to afford our vital services if we charged for them. We believe that everyone should have access to support, resources, and community without financial barriers. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, socioeconomic challenges are a significant hurdle to accessing essential services.

Marginalised groups, including LGBTQIA+ people, are disproportionately affected by poverty, job insecurity, and housing instability, often due to systemic discrimination. Charging for our services would risk excluding those who need them most. By offering our programs, workshops, and mentorships free of charge, we aim to create a truly inclusive and equitable space where everyone can thrive, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why, with the exception of fundraising, we do our absolute best to ensure all of our services remain free at the point of access!

Our Values

Inclusive

We are kind-hearted and respectful of others. We know the people we work with are on learning journeys and continue to empower them.

Strength

We are proud of who we are. We understand & celebrate the strength that it takes to be an authentic individual.

Action

We are change-makers and believe in taking action for a stronger community.

Community

We are powerful when acting as one strong community. We operate with each other's interests and needs in mind.

Mentoring & Coaching

We provide personalised guidance and support tailored to each individual's unique journey, whether they are exploring career options, seeking their first job, or navigating career barriers. Our mentoring and coaching programs provide accessible pipelines that meet individuals where they are, helping them build clear paths toward stability and success.

By equipping young adults with direction, personalised advice, and goal-setting tools, we help them access opportunities, secure meaningful employment, and build a foundation for financial independence.

Confidence, Skills, and Knowledge Building

Training programs and workshops that focus on developing practical skills, growing confidence, and building a knowledge base for navigating the world of work and life. LGBTQIA+ young adults often face isolation or a lack of access to career development resources, leaving them underprepared for the workforce. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ people disproportionately drop out of education, leaving a significant skills gap. We address these gaps by helping them develop critical soft & hard skills.

Fostering confidence and capability, we empower young adults to have a fair chance in the job market, overcome employment barriers, and achieve sustainable, prosperous careers.

Community Building

We believe in creating safe, supportive spaces where LGBTQIA+ young adults can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Isolation is a significant challenge for many LGBTQIA+ young adults, leaving them without the emotional and social support systems critical to success. Building a strong community fosters belonging, mutual growth, and shared resilience.

By building networks of encouragement and mutual aid, we strengthen individuals’ ability to face challenges, access resources, and support one another in achieving financial and emotional stability.

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Why We Began

Blossom LGBT was born out of necessity, compassion, and a deep commitment to change. Conceptualized in 2018 by Oscar Hoyle, it began as Rainbow Citizens —a community space for young LGBTQIA+ adults to connect and find belonging. But the purpose of Blossom would soon evolve into something far greater.

The turning point came when a trans young person, whom Oscar had previously supported as a Youth Worker, tragically took his own life after turning 18 and being failed by adult services. This devastating loss revealed a critical gap between youth and adult services for LGBTQIA+ young adults. Determined to prevent future tragedies, Oscar reimagined Rainbow Citizens as Blossom: a bridge to ensure young adults were no longer left behind.

Under Oscar’s leadership, Blossom grew rapidly, guided by the voices of its service users and the broader community. It became clear that simply filling gaps wasn’t enough. To honor the memory of the young person they couldn’t save, Blossom pledged to address the root issues affecting LGBTQIA+ young adults—chief among them, the economic hardship disproportionately faced by those under 30, particularly those living with intersecting marginalisations.

Through Oscar’s vision and tireless work, Blossom evolved into the organisation it is today. With an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and board members, Blossom now works to create a world where no LGBTQIA+ young person is left without support, opportunity, or hope.