Pride from Tees to Tyne: Building safe spaces, stories, and visibility across the Northeast.

For many people, identity is shaped not only by who they are, but by whether they can see themselves reflected in the world around them. For Aura Stephenson, that absence of representation became the spark for something meaningful. A growing digital platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ communities across Northeast England.  

Created just a few months ago, Pride from Tees to Tyne has already begun carving out an important space online. Through articles, video content and podcasts, the platform shares community stories, promotes events and highlights voices too often overlooked.  

“I use video, articles and podcasting within the website to make it more accessible.” Aura explains. “Not everyone wants to sit and read long form content.” 

That inclusive approach is central to everything the platform stands for. Accessibility, visibility, and connection are not afterthoughts- they are the foundation.  

From university project to community mission 

What began as a final project at the university of Sunderland quickly evolved into something much bigger.  

“This started as my final piece at university,” Aura says, “but it has become so much more than that. It’s become a hobby of mine now, and I wake up excited to talk to more people.” 

Behind that excitement lies something deeply personal. Growing up in Middlesbrough, Aura rarely saw LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Pride from Tees to Tyne was created to become the kind of resource they wish has existed earlier- one that lets people know where events, support groups and welcoming spaces can be found across the region.  

It is also a platform built on admiration for community itself.  

“I know so many amazing queer people,” Aura says, “and I want to help inspire others and help them find their safe spaces.” 

Why community spaces matter 

When asked why physical and social community spaces are so important, Aura answers simply: freedom.  

“No matter what someone is going through, community spaces are that freedom many people crave.” 

For those who may not feel safe at home, at work or in public, spaces where they can fully be themselves can be life changing. Aura describes feeling content in queer community spaces because of shared un deer standing and safety they provide.  

One place that stands out is the ONE centre in Palawan, a new LGBTQ+ community hub designed to be open and welcoming. With facilities such as changing rooms for those who may not feel able to express themselves elsewhere, it represents what inclusion can look like in practice.  

“To me, that is what community spaces are all about,” Aura says. “Making sure everyone has equal access to be themselves and explore that safely.” 

Creativity as Identity 

Self-expression does not only happen through words. It happens through art, clothing, poetry, music, and the choices people make every day.  

Aura sees creativity as one of the most powerful ways people communicate who they are.  

“Art is an international language,” Aura explains. “It’s a way to connect with anyone over shared experiences.” 

Through Pride from Tees to Tyne’s podcasting and storytelling, creativity is regularly explored as a pathway to confidence and comfort. Aura even sees the platform itself as an art form- a personal act of creation rooted in care for others.  

“This website is also like my comforting art form to an extent.” 

Challenges still faced  

While progress has been made, Aura is clear that Barrie’s remain- particularly for transgender people navigating both political debates and online hostility.  

“The online world can be the best and the worst place for the queer community at the same time,” Aura says.  

That the tension is familiar to many: digital platforms can offer connection, information and solidarity, while also amplifying hate and misinformation. For some, simply expressing identity online or using as chosen name can still feel unsafe.  

Aura believes that identity should never be politicised. 

“Being queer shouldn’t be political,” they say. “It should be someone’s right to be themselves.” 

Looking forward 

Despite those challenges, Aura remains hopeful. The opening of new inclusive spaces, growing networks and stronger visibility across the Northeast all point in the right direction.  

“Honestly, I think we are on the right path.” 

For Pride from Tees to Tyne, the next chapter is about growth- reaching more people, sharing more stories and becoming and even stronger resource for the regions LGBTQ+ community.  

Aura encourages people to support the platform by reading the stories, listening to the podcast and sharing the website with others.  

“Pride from Tees to Tyne means so much to me,” they say. “I’m so excited to see it grow and make a bigger impact within the community.” 

Identity through visibility 

At its heart, Pride from Tees to Tyne is about something simple but powerful: making sure people know they are not alone.  

Whether through a podcast episode, an event listing, a personal story or shared post online, one moment of visibility can help someone feel safer, stronger and more certain in who they are. And sometimes, that is where confidence begins.