A Community Space Strengthening Local Connections

Since the start of the school year, the Rainbow’n’Caux association has established its very first dedicated space in Fécamp. For its members, this marks a major milestone. The new venue is designed as a safe and welcoming environment to relax, share, and connect—open to everyone, free of judgment, and with a strong focus on confidentiality. “It also reflects the city’s acknowledgment of our work and the importance of our presence for part of the local population,” the team says.

Weekly Drop-Ins Open to All

Rainbow’n’Caux hosts weekly drop-in sessions for LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as straight allies. These gatherings aim to foster open dialogue, where anyone can ask questions, share their experiences, or simply listen. Topics are flexible and shaped by the interests of participants to encourage intergenerational conversations and highlight diverse life journeys. These meetings also welcome families and friends of LGBTQIA+ individuals, with the possibility of arranging one-on-one support sessions.

Strengthening Ties with Local Stakeholders

The association has cultivated constructive relationships with local institutions and other nonprofit groups, even though more collaboration is needed to expand these partnerships. While Rainbow’n’Caux has yet to gain the official accreditation needed to operate within schools, it did participate in the annual DiffDay at Maupassant High School—an event focused on embracing differences. A theater forum project addressing discrimination is also being developed in collaboration with a middle school, scheduled for 2026.

Gaining Visibility Amid Ongoing Challenges

In just three years—two of which as an officially registered nonprofit—Rainbow’n’Caux has seen increased visibility and greater public understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. Although supportive reactions are becoming more common, the association still faces hostility and ignorance. Online hate speech, particularly on social media where moderation remains insufficient, is a major concern. “Yes, we’re more visible, but we’re also the target of many hateful comments on local media Facebook pages,” the team shares.

Challenging Ignorance and Promoting Inclusion

Members of the association underscore persistent issues like lack of awareness, discrimination, and hate-driven rhetoric. They stress the need for broader visibility and advocate for equal rights. “We are not a subcategory of citizens,” they affirm. The group also calls for introspection within the LGBTQIA+ community itself, urging members to address internal issues such as racism, transphobia, and fatphobia. “How can we ask others for tolerance if we don’t practice it ourselves?” they ask.

Concrete Projects and Future Aspirations

The association is actively expanding its initiatives: partnerships with local media libraries, forum theater events, educational outreach, rainbow cafés, conferences, and preparations for the upcoming Pride March this June. Long-term goals include launching an LGBTQIA+ film festival in Fécamp, acquiring a vehicle to reach residents in rural areas, and expanding to full-time operations. Rainbow’n’Caux also aims to collaborate more closely with public officials and media platforms to combat online abuse and reinforce protection against digital hate speech.

Where and When to Connect with Rainbow’n’Caux

Weekly sessions take place every Wednesday from 3 PM to 5 PM (except on the third Wednesday of each month) at the Henri Dunant Center, located at 3/5 rue Henri Dunant in Fécamp, first floor, room 108. Clear signage is provided. These gatherings are open to anyone interested, offering a kind and inclusive environment for meaningful conversation and support.

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