Pride Cymru, Wales’ largest LGBT+ charity joins forces with a range of LGBT+ groups, businesses and performers ahead of its online Pride.
The charity will be hosting its first-ever Big Online Week (24 – 30 August) to unite the LGBT+ community and raise awareness of the inequalities that remain. Throughout the week, the charity will stream a range of talks, events and performances on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Gian Molinu, Chair at Pride Cymru, said: “Like many Prides across the UK, we have had to adapt our plans due to Coronavirus and we are bringing our event online. Although we cannot come together physically, we wanted to make sure that the LGBT+ community across Wales could still remain connected and united. As long as we have a community, we have got Pride and we will continue our work to challenge discrimination and prejudice. We have fantastic content to broadcast next week and I am really thankful for the incredible support we have had to put this event together.”
Throughout the week, viewers can enjoy a range of online events such as Drag Queen story hours, yoga and fitness sessions, topical panel discussions and entertainment. Pride Cymru is promoting change in its online Pride. The charity encourages people to support each other, become proactive allies and drive a fairer future for LGBT+ people in Wales. The LGBT+ charity will host a variety of talks on hate crime, intersectionality, and supporting minorities with a marginalised group.
Panellists include LGBT+ activists like Lisa Power and Lord Michael Cashman and Welsh politicians and organisations, such as Victim Support, Glitter Cymru, Bi Cymru and Deaf Hub Wales, and Bangor University’s LGBT+ Student Network.
Gian continued: “Although there has been significant progress in legislation for LGBT+ rights, there are still many barriers in daily life when it comes to inclusion and equality. We want to highlight those issues that would normally not get the kind of attention that they need. An online event gives us the flexibility to start conversations about these matters. Thanks to the help of partner organisations and panellists, we are able to share personal stories and insights into the challenges still faced within parts of our community. We hope that our online Pride shows LGBT+ people across Wales that they are not alone in their experiences. We want to show that as a community we are here to support each other and we do stand united.”
Yet, it is not all about talks. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, viewers can expect to see a range of entertainment in an atmosphere that can only be felt at Pride. featuring acts from the local and national LGBT+ scene. The weekend includes an interview with Welsh entertainer Stifyn Parri and the incredible drag queen and activist Son of a Tutu, performances from local drag legends Dr Bev and Miss Kitty and the Capitol FM Hour featuring Welsh talent Lloyd Daniels and the stunning voice of Jordan Gray.
Pride Cymru’s Big Online Week will celebrate the LGBT+ community in Wales in a series of events from 24-30 August. All events will be streamlined onto the charity’s Facebook page and YouTube channel and will include BSL and closed-captioning.
