A TRIO of summer festivals brought Pride to South Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland with boosts for businesses and wider communities alike, according to a new report.
The three, month-long events, from June through to August, comprised talks, discussions, celebrations and exhibitions in each borough to raise awareness of – and pride in – the LGBTQ+ communities.
And a report just published by organiser Out North East has revealed that they had a positive effect on businesses in each of the three boroughs and have left a lasting legacy of engagement.
The first Pride in Hebburn brought retailers and community groups together and libraries across South Tyneside had LGBTQ+ book displays, while the community was out in force with more than 100 dogs and their owners enjoying a fun day at Pride Pooches in Jarrow.
The borough brought the X-Factor with Joe McElderry’s Big Pride Party at The Customs House, Jade Thirlwall threw a spectacular After Pride Party at Arbeia and around 20,000 partygoers attended the Pride in South Tyneside concert.
“The response, from all sectors and communities in South Tyneside really was fantastic,” said Peter Darrant, chair of Out North East.
“Not only did people of all ages turn up in their thousands to our events, but businesses, councils, third sector organisations and charities all lent us their support to create three fantastic month-long festivals.”
However, the report also reveals the extent of abuse directed at the events, with Out North East receiving more than 2000 negative comments about the Pride festivals on social media from May to September.
“There is still a lot of work to do to change hearts and minds,” said Peter, “but, as our first summer of pride showed, people are proud of who they are, their family, friends and the community they live in.
“For every negative comment we received, hundreds cheered, took part in activities and celebrated their pride. And that’s what Out North East aims to build on.
“It’s also been a great opportunity to educate people that Pride is still essential and important.”
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “South Tyneside is a warm, welcoming and inclusive place with unique and diverse communities, and we were thrilled to showcase this by working with Out North East to deliver Pride over the summer.
“This was a special celebration aimed at supporting, embracing and celebrating our wonderful LGBTQ+ community as well as promoting a culture of acceptance, equality, inclusivity and diversity.
“Events like these make a powerful statement that encourages people to be proud of who they are, and for everyone to stand together in unity, solidarity and friendship.”
For further information and to download or view the full report, visit www.outnortheast.org.uk