The Pigeons Project runs LGBTQIA+ youth events for Christian youth and allies. Our vision is to partner with young people to co-create welcoming and affirming spaces to explore faith, raise their voices and have some fun.

Our next Pigeons event is:

Date: Wednesday 1st April

Cost: £15 per person

Time: 10.30-5.30pm

Age range: 11-18yrs

Location: The Greenhouse at Barnes Close, Birmingham. This is a retreat centre that has cosy lounges and is surrounded by nature. We will be the only booking on site at the centre that day

Food 

We will NOT be providing lunch. Please bring your own packed lunch on the day. 

Drinks and snacks will be provided by our lovely kitchen team. 

Ticket Prices 

Youth ticket - £15

Group Leader ticket (supporting adult/parent/guardian/youth worker) - £12

Group Bundle - Buy x1 group leader and x5 young people and get your tickets for just £10 each!

Who is it for ? Who can attend?

Pigeons is a safe space for ALL LGBTQIA+ young people. Whatever letter of the alphabet you identify as and whatever stage of your journey. We also welcome young people who are supportive allies attending with friends.

Pigeons is a trans and gender expansive youth affirming space and we are dedicated to working in partnership with young people to ensure that our events are inclusive to the needs of these members of LGBTQIA+ community.

What's all this about a "Group Leader"?

We ask all young people to attend as a part of a group with an adult group leader. This can be a parent, guardian or youth worker. The adult group leader very welcome to get involved with all parts of the programme alongside the youth. There will also be a Guardians lounge for parents/guardians/youth workers to hang out and connect with its own programme of activities.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further (pigeons@fyt.org.uk).

Why is it called Pigeons?

We love pigeons! The name Pigeons Project was chosen because not only are pigeons fantastic they are also a symbol of everyday holiness. Pigeons have lots of links to doves (which are a very Holy Spirit related symbol). The name Pigeons was chosen to evoke empowerment in taking the message back, themes of freedom, resilience, adaptation and thriving in diverse and often harsh environments. 

What’s happening on the day?

There will be a range of activities across the day for people to get involved in at their own pace. All the zones will be open all day. Everything is optional. Participants are welcome to get involved as much or as little as they like.

Lounge: the lounge is the heart of the venue. This is a gathering space to hang out, chat and play games. In this space you will find discussion prompts, feedback zones where you can share your ideas for the next event, the Pigeons book recommendations and lots of board games. You will also find the craft zone.

Craft zone: The craft zone is located in the Lounge. In this space you can have a go at lots of fun craft activities like lego printing, jewellery making, hot beads, glitter tattoos, protest banner making and much more!

Workshops: get involved in interactive workshops around themes relevant to identity, faith and LGBTQIA+ lived experiences. Previous workshops have included:

• Queer church history
• Advocating for yourself and your needs
• Wellbeing and mental health
• Gender non-conforming people in the Bible
• Craftervism (Craft-activism)
• Creative worship

Rage Room: The Rage room is our catharsis space. At Pigeons we don’t shy away from the fact that sometimes the journey is hard. In this space you can be real and honest about what you are feeling and what you are experiencing. This room is covered in black paper and participants are invited to write and draw all over the walls.

Pigeons Boutique: A pop-up swap shop. Come along to the pop-up Boutique to get some free clothes to take home with you. Experimenting with gender presentation and expression through clothing can be an incredibly affirming and powerful experience. But it’s often expensive! At the Boutique participants can try on different types of clothes and even take them home for free. Participants are also invited to bring along any unwanted clothes to donate to the Boutique for others to find treasure in.

Quiet Room: this is a quiet sensory space for all those who just need a little time out for any reason. In this space you will find soft furnishings, soft lighting and sensory toys. It can be accessed at anytime throughout the day.

The Chapel: In the Chapel space there will be a timetable of interactive prayer and worship across the day.

The Guardians Lounge: This is a space dedicated to parents, guardians and youth workers attending Pigeons. In this space you will get a nice cup of tea and a good natter! This space is led by Pigeons parents. Here you can connect with others who can relate to your experiences. There will be a scheduled time of reflection at some point in the day.

Fire Pit: At the end of the day gather around the fire pit for our leaving ceremony. Toast marshmallows, say goodbye, burn the Rage Room and give thanks for our time together.

Check out our website for more info on:

• who we are
• what our values are
• access and support needs info
• recommendations 
• info about the venue 
• up to date programme info