Across Rainbows Co-founder: “Being Different Is What Makes Us All Beautiful”

Nicholas Cousin, co-founder of the Across Rainbows community, talks with myGwork about their work in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of claiming your sense of self.

Image Credit: Nicholas Cousin

Could you tell us a little bit about your charity and the work that you do?

We (my mother Luciana and I) created Across Rainbows out of a desire to transform the LGBTQ+ community; We believe that by nurturing and cultivating our LGBTQ+ identity, relationships and purpose, we can better navigate the world—and our role in it—with resilience and creativity. Our aim is to Redefine Queer Identity. We do this through workshops, community projects, and media. Our workshops focus on identity and how we, as queer people, can reframe our understanding of what it means to be LGBTQ+ - to go from surviving to thriving.

Community projects involve creating unapologetically queer spaces, such as, our lovely Bar/Cafe in Brighton: Arcobaleno. Our venue prioritizes intersectionality, openness, and nonconformity — an intergenerational hub designed to bridge the gaps and foster a genuine sense of community.

Recently we launched our street safety project called Back Off. Back UP. which is aimed at combating rising hate crime, by having venues pledge to be a safe space. We have launched our app, available to download on Apple & Android. This app will show you where safe venues are within Brighton & Hove. We are looking to expand across the country within the next few years.

Our media section is focused on curating content that is targeted towards LGBTQ+ people and that is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. We host a whole range of events to entertain and inspire—from drag nights to live music, poetry and book launches, art and fashion shows—with particular focus on platforming Brighton’s local queer and wonderful performers and creatives.

One of our most successful is: ‘Sex Education’ with international drag icon, Lydia L'Scabies. It is an immersive drag school experience, where we reclaim our lost queer sex education. We are expanding our media section next year. So please look out for some high-quality entertaining content. Or if you know anyone who wants to get involved, please get in touch!

Image Credit: Nicholas Cousin

What advice do you have for those who want to support LGBTQ+ rights?

At this current moment, there is a lot that someone can do to support the LGBTQ+ community and our rights. Hate crime is on the rise and local queer bars are being closed. It is important now more than ever for the community and allies to come together. Firstly, it would be to support local queer business.

A lot of LGBTQ+ bars are straight owned or owned by corporations profiteering off of the community. It is important to know where you spend your money and does it actually go to the community. Secondly, volunteer with local organizations and not national organizations. For example, in Brighton we have a lovely organization called Lunch Positive which does a lot of work at the local level for those living with HIV. However, they don't get as much support as the big charities.

There is a lot that can be done on the small local level that has more of an impact on someone's life than supporting on a national level. Finally share authentic queer voices and small artists. There are loads of fantastic artists who don't get the publicity due to their queer identity.

What are the challenges you face at work?

As an employer we work very hard to create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. We encourage our staff to live every day being proud to be different because being different is what makes us all beautiful.

How can the workplace be more supportive of LGBTQ+ employees?

The workplace can be more supportive of LGBTQ+ employees by creating a safe space for employees to express their professional self and to support them to be themselves. At Across Rainbows, we pride ourselves on creating a culture of a warm community that cultivates diversity.

What is your next course of action as a charity to improve the life of LGBTQ+ individuals?

Every day, we continue to refine and explore the ways to create a better future for everyone; one that’s more connected, inclusive and safe.

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