THREE of the North East’s major Pride events are to use this year’s celebrations to get back to the roots of the movement, to act as a reminder of the threats that still exist for the LGBTQ+ community.
For the last two years the charity OUT North East has organised month-long programme of events in Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, with around 130,000 people taking part.
But this time round the organisation will combine the event across all three areas for a month-long Summer of Pride in June, the official Pride month.
The thinking behind this new look Pride is to bring communities together with a programme of activities, said Peter Darrant, head of OUT North East.
“There is so much division out there at the moment, that we need to unite people and we want to help celebrate other Prides in the region, Durham in May and Newcastle in July,” said Peter.
It’s a challenging time for all Pride organisations across the UK,” said Peter Darrant, head of OUT North East.
“Corporate sponsorship is on the decrease and there’s political uncertainty on what lies ahead, which has led us to seeing a 50 per cent decrease in corporate support.
However that doesn’t mean that we still shouldn’t mark Pride, which is arguably now more important than ever before and with that in mind, we have been working to create an inclusive festival that everyone can take part in – and be proud of.”
OUT North East has dismissed the idea of charging for attending Pride to try and make up the shortfall caused by fewer businesses supporting the events.
“Price should not exclude you from Pride,” he added.
“ We totally understand and support those Prides who do charge as toilets, security, fencing, stages and the complete infrastructure to deliver a safe Pride – not including acts – is huge.
But OUT North East is all about inclusion and we’d rather not stage a Pride than have to charge for it.”
OUT North East has thanked partners who have already agreed to support the event, which has meant that there will be an amazing festival
This includes the 5k Colour Run, free cinema screenings, take-overs of both Metrocentre and Sunderland’s Bridges Shopping Centre, a family fun day at the Beacon of Light, talks, crafting sessions and sporting activities.
This year OUT North East will also be organising a march and a rally in Sunderland.
“We want to remember how Pride started 55 years ago,” said Peter.
“500 people gathered in London for the first public LGBTQ+ march in the UK, carrying placards, delivering speeches and calling for change at a time when there were no LGBTQ+ rights. We want to remember that moment.
“With the prospect of what the May elections may bring it seems right.”
The usual concert will take place but this time in August, thanks to a partnership between OUT North East and Coalfields Pride which is taking place in Houghton-le-Spring.
Among those who will be appearing are Sunderland’s Lucy Phurr and pop diva, Kelly Llorenna,
Peter also hopes that the Pride will highlight the vital work being carried out by OUT North East.
“The charity is more than a Pride festival,” he said.
“We’ve opened the ONE Centre, the region’s dedicated LGBTQ+ community centre which has welcomed more than 600 people since it launched in February – offering activities, support, help, advice and a safe space to be themselves.
“We deliver outreach projects throughout the region and challenge and campaign on a national level to make life better for the LGBTQ+ community and our amazing allies.
“These activities go on throughout the year, day in and day out, and we want to be able to continue to deliver these vital services.”
Business and individuals can get involved in a number of ways, from volunteering to making a donation. A range of sponsorship opportunities are still available, with details at www.outnortheast.org.uk
Full details of the Summer of Pride Festival and how people can get involved will be announced over the coming weeks.