The theme is ‘proud and free’ and the organisers – Liberate Jersey – want to see everyone who believes in equality and diversity turning out for the big parade on Saturday 12 September.
Liberate’s Vice Chairman Christian May said: “Pride is a global phenomenon. Almost every country where LGBTQ people are free to live without fear of persecution has a Pride event. It allows the community and their friends and family to come together, firstly, to show how proud they are to be part of a diverse society and, secondly, to celebrate being free to make that statement. Pride transcends politics. It’s a celebration of inclusion.
“Jersey has taken some bold steps recently, and will continue to do so, to ensure equality for all its citizens, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality. The Island should be proud of what it has achieved and Pride is one, very visible way, to demonstrate that.”
Thousands lobbied for equal marriage at last year’s Reform Jersey rally and members of the the Island’s LGBTQ were keen to build on the spirit and success of the day and for the Island to hold its very own Pride event.
Liberate’s Jersey Co-ordinator Vic Tanner Davy said: “We wanted to organise a Pride event because the timing felt right. On 12 September, Jersey will have just brought in the next phase of its discrimination legislation that directly affects the LGBTQ community and next year we are hoping that we will have equal marriage in the island. We feel that these are important steps towards recognising the island’s diversity and that is something to be proud of.”
The parade starts at West Centre at 12.45pm and ends at Weighbridge Square at 1.30pm. But the party doesn’t stop there – there will be live music and family friendly entertainment in the Square from 2pm and live cabaret entertainment later in the evening.
Mr May said: “Pride is organised by the LGBTQ community but it is not exclusively for that community. 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 that celebrates diversity, symbolised by the rainbow flag.”
Organisations and local businesses who promote equality in the workplace are encouraged to go along and shout about it and if you want yours to take part you can contact the organisers by email: hello@liberate.je
You can find out more about the event here.