Let Celebrate Together with Pride
2022 marks 50 years since the first-ever Pride took place in the UK.
With health restrictions eased and many events being cancelled last year, Pride is back in full swing to mark this historic year in June, and throughout the summer, with these colourful events around Wales. Whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not, all are welcomed, so get waving that flag and celebrate love!
This month is Pride month. June was chosen for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which happened in New York at the end of June 1969. They were named after the Stonewall Inn, which following a raid by police launched a series of protests, leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights.
While society has come a long way in improving equality, it is clear there is still a lot of work to do. We pride ourselves on our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. For us, it’s much more than compliance with the law; it’s about creating an organisation that recognises values and celebrates differences. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone from all backgrounds feels valued, is able to be themselves, can perform at their very best and knows their unique contributions are welcomed and valued.
Looking for some awesome events to celebrate? Check these out:
POP-UP PRIDE WALK
The Carmarthenshire LGBTQ+ Project will be celebrating Pride Month by holding a walk in Carmarthen Park, as well as a Pop-Up Pride, run by a local social enterprise and event organiser Vince Brinton. They’re planning to use the bottom bandstand of the park for entertainment, with the amazing Diana D leading the acts. There will also be a sign language interpreter present for accessibility.
The event is open to everyone, with no cost for entry, and parking is easily available via the many car parks around the town. The Pride Walk is being held in memory of Kate Rees (neé Boyt), who tragically and unexpectedly passed away in 2021.
Carmarthen Park, Sat 11 June
How much: FREE!
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HAY PRIDE
The famous book town of Hay-On-Wye will host its first ever LGBTQ+ Pride this year. Founded by friends Graham Nolan and Helen Jane Campbell, who work and live in the Herefordshire border town, the event will take place at Hay Castle and the Globe At Hay. As with all Pride events – which aim to bring communities together in celebration, protest, unity and solidarity – Hay Pride will be run on a not-for-profit basis and all donations will be used to put on a celebratory and diverse event, signalling that everyone is welcome in the town, culminating on the steps of the Castle. The group will be holding further community LGBTQ+ events both before and after the first-ever Hay Pride, so check online for more info. You can read my interview with Graham and Helen too.
Various locations, Hay-On-Wye, Sun 12 June
How much: FREE!
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CELEBRATE PRIDE IN PEMBROKESHIRE
The three-day festival will mark the launch of Pembrokeshire Pride, a local group dedicated to organizing LGBTQ-friendly events and providing advice and support to the local queer community. It will take place in and around Boulevard Showbar, Milford Haven, kicking off on Thursday July 14 with a performance from drag queen Miss Kitty. West End performer Karin Bello will bring her Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina, to Pembrokeshire Pride on Friday July 15, while Jaymi Hensley (Union J) will close the festival on Saturday 16.
Boulevard Showbar, Milford Haven July 14th
How much: FREE!
Info: here
