Local businesses are being asked to get involved and support this year’s Channel Islands Pride.
This year will mark the tenth anniversary of the pan-island event, which alternates between Jersey and Guernsey each year.
Jersey will host the weekend-long event this June.
Organisers hope support from the local business community will help the celebrations “match the scale” of last time.
Christian May, Director of Channel Islands Pride Jersey, said: “We are really hoping to build on the successful parts of 2023’s CI Pride.
“Pride has got into a good groove with a good template – people put it in their calendars and come along.”
Mr May emphasised that keeping the event free and family-focused is a priority for the CI Pride team.
“Pride events held elsewhere can be cost prohibitive or not suitable for families,” he said.
“It’s hugely important that CI Pride is a family day, with a free family zone, inflatables, rides and games for children.
“We want to remain a free community event where everybody can come along.”
He added that support from local businesses and corporate sponsors will help maintain the accessibility of the event.
“Funding is never easy, and costs have grown over the last ten years,” said Mr May.
“We’ve tried to keep as much of our spend on-Island as we can, from promotion and local acts to infrastructure and security.
“We’re lucky to have had positive conversations with Government that are still ongoing, but we still need help from corporate partners and philanthropic individuals to help us deliver an event that’s good for locals and will attract visitors to Jersey.”
Supporting or sponsoring CI Pride is a way for businesses to show their support for diversity and the LGBTQ+ community, Mr May said.
“It gives businesses the opportunity to be present at CI Pride,” he added.
“It’s good reputationally and demonstrates the value those organisations see in having a diverse workforce.
“By doing so, businesses are supporting their own staff members, friends and family.”
Mr May added that businesses who have supported CI Pride in the past feel it’s the “right thing to do” and “enjoy celebrating with colleagues”.
He said: “In my experience of doing this for decade, that’s been the rationale for businesses to be involved – it’s right thing to do to if they honestly support diversity in Jersey.”
CI Pride celebrations in Jersey are due to take place in June this year, having been brought forward from the usual September date, and happening during what’s recognised internationally as Pride month.
If you are interested in supporting CI Pride, reach out to Mr May directly at christian@channelislandspride.org.
