The Isle of Wight is hosting its first ever official Pride which set to take place in this summer.
A committee has been established, with council, NHS, police, business, town and charity representatives working with the LGBT+ community .
The date for the event is hoped to be Saturday, 15 July.
Island theatre director and actor Joe Plumb has been elected as the new chair of Isle of Wight Pride.
He said: “I am very excited about Pride coming to the Isle of Wight and the opportunity to help facilitate what I am sure will be a very special event.
“I am lucky enough to have been born at a time of growing acceptance for the LGBTQ community but I do have a strong understanding of the struggles that led to this point.
“Pride events are a strong reminder to those who have lived through criminalisation, Section 28, and the prejudice and abuse felt by so many.
“There is still a lot of work to do internationally as well as making equality in law a reality in this country. It can also be said that the Isle of Wight lags behind the mainland in support and visibility for the LGBTQ community.
“My vision for Isle of Wight Pride is for it to be an opportunity for us to take pride in how far we have come but to also highlight that there is still work to be done.
“We have had over 1000 responses to the questionnaire and we will be sharing the results at our launch event. From the results it is clear that islanders want an inclusive, family friendly, all day event, with a parade.
“We have set up working parties who are currently looking into how we can make these ideas a reality. There is a lot of support for this event and I look forward welcoming everyone to Ryde for the first Isle of Wight Pride.”
AJ Higginson, editor of OutNews Global, said: “I’m thrilled that my hometown will be hosting its first ever Pride event.
“It allows the community and their friends and family to come together. The Island should be proud of what it has achieved in promoting equality and diversity and Pride is one, very visible way, to demonstrate that.
“It is a party everyone is welcome to attend. If you haven’t been to a Pride before, it is a colourful, fun and friendly day out for all ages.”
A launch party is taking place at Coburgs, Ryde, at 7pm on Friday, February 10. Tickets will cost £5 on the door and money raised will go towards the main Pride event.
The night is open to all.
Follow @IWPride for further details.
