Gay Pride in UK's Devon and Cornwall at last

Gay Pride is coming to the South West region of the UK with Devon and Cornwall’s first major Pride event in June, called ‘plymouth prideevent 2007’. The carnival-style weekend will be held in the centre of Plymouth as part of a full programme of gay events in and around the city on June 2 and 3.

The plymouth prideevent weekend is expected to attract thousands of people to the city, not just from around the South West, but nationwide, and not just lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT). It is the first time the area’s LGBT community has organised an event on such a scale.

They are modelling plymouth prideevent on annual Gay Pride events which have established themselves as wider community occasions in cities across the country, such as London, Manchester, and Brighton.

Plymouth prideevent committee secretary Jan Netherton said: “This is an important step forward in celebrating diversity in Plymouth and the wider area of the South West served by the city. There are already Gay Prides in almost every major city in the UK and now there will be one in Plymouth for the first time.

“This is not about imposing any kind of lifestyle on others, it is about accepting people as they are from all walks of life and everybody having an opportunity to enjoy themselves.

“We have backing from organisations such as the city council and the police, LGBT community and support groups, and the support of a number of commercial sponsors who recognise the importance to the local economy of what is called the ‘pink pound’.

“Not everybody involved in the LGBT community is gay but everybody accepts we live in a changing and diverse society and they are accepting of, and welcoming to, people of all sexualities.

“We are working together to make Plymouth an area where lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and communities can live, work, and celebrate life free from discrimination, prejudice, and fear.”

The centrepiece of the plymouth prideevent weekend will be a programme of free entertainments and fun activities in the city centre Guildhall on Saturday, June 2.

Among the activities planned are a Question Time-style debate, rodeo bull, sumo wrestling, a bungee run, and live music and dance, as well as LGBT community support, advice, and information stands.

The Plymouth heat of Mr Gay UK will also take place in the city’s Zeros nightclub, a five-a-side football tournament will be held at Marjon’s, and there will be a walk and picnic at Burrator, on Dartmoor.

Anybody who wants to know more about the Gay Pride weekend or who would like to be involved in organising activities should telephone the LGBT committee 07753 339965 or email info@plymouthprideevent.co.uk or visit the website www.plymouthprideevent.co.uk.

Plymouth prideevent is supported by Plymouth City Council, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Out Youth Group, Plymouth Pride Forum, Plymouth Sound Radio, the Swallow public house, the Clarence public house, Zeros Nightclub, Eddystone Trust, Intercom Trust, In Other Words Bookshop, and She Bang.