Pride is a celebration of our diversity, a festival of tolerance and inclusivity, and a perfect encapsulation of the values that make the Liverpool City Region great. Just as importantly, though, it is a protest too.
I have supported LCR Pride Foundation throughout my time as Mayor and am delighted to be able to support it again this year.
Steve Rotheram (He/Him)
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
As chair of LCR Pride Foundation, I heartily welcome you to this year’s Pride Guide. I specifically want to thank all our volunteers without which Prides across the region could not happen.
Whilst we celebrate the amazing people in this year’s Pride Guide, we take time to remember and support those elsewhere without such freedoms and confidence.
The strength of Pride is about bringing people together, supporting each other and leaving no one behind.
Times remain challenging for our communities everywhere. Rights hard earned are constantly being attacked and chipped away. So when we come together, hopefully with great weather, entertainment and company, let’s not forget that Pride is a reminder that we have always been here and always will be.
Through our Pride events we as a region celebrate our communities and I ask you to take away one thing, that being vocal on who we are or being an ally isn’t just for one day.
We at LCR Pride Foundation work tirelessly year round supporting, educating and informing. So I ask you all, what can you do for the rest of the year?
Please have a safe and fantastic day but most importantly be proud of this city region and who we all are.
Ms Amanda G Hilton (She/Her) Chair, LCR Pride Foundation
CONTENTS
We’ve Come Together, Shouted It Loud and made pledges From Now On, but this year it is ever more important to ensure we, and those less visible in our communities, have our voices heard.
From the General Election to what we do in our workplaces, from calling out prejudice to celebrating unsung heroes at our LCR Pride Awards, there are so many ways we can shine a spotlight on the LGBT+ community and make positive change.
At the time of writing, we don’t know the outcome of the General Election, or what that will mean for our community. What we do know is for too many years we have only seen LGBT+ rights in the UK get worse, ignored and removed.
Whatever the outcome of the election, lots of work is needed to reverse some of this backtracking and put LGBT+ rights back on the right path.
More than ever, allyship is needed. Both from those outside of our community, but also from within. We are a diverse community and that’s what should be used to unite us, not divide. Allyship relies on us empathising and trying to understand differences, even if we have not been through it ourselves.
However you choose to #BeHeard, we’re behind you!
As part of our #BeHeard commitment, we have revised how we consult with you, our community, on the things that matter or barriers we face.
Starting with the groups listed here, we will be holding a number of listening groups around topics or issues that you have told us we need to look at, or our community is disproportionately affected by.
If you are someone who has lived experience of any of these topics, the groups are open to you:
Accessibility Listening Group
From Pride events to community spaces, we know that there may be barriers to accessing these for some members of our community. We’re committed to listening and implementing measures at our events and supporting our partners and others to do the same.
Supported by The Brain Charity. Young People & Families Listening Group
We want everyone to be able to benefit from our events, regardless of age or responsibilities. We also know that sometimes as a family events can simply out-price or make it impossible to take part. From Pride in Liverpool’s Young People & Families zone, to the services we support, we want to hear from young people, groups and families of all shapes and sizes to help inform our work.
If you would like to take part in one of the above listening groups, or suggest an area that we should look into please email: participate@lcrpride.co.uk
5 Years of Supporting Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ Community
When we established LCR Pride Foundation in 2019, we had no idea what the next few years would have in store for us. No sooner had we launched the organisation and delivered our first Pride in Liverpool and inaugural LCR Pride Awards, we were thrown into lockdown and forced to rethink everything.
We had big ambitions for the foundation, many of our region-wide conversations about events and services just stopped overnight as people’s attention turned to what was to come and how we would get through lockdown - we knew our focus needed to do the same.
With no possibility of a major event, we quickly pivoted our programme to an online one, taking our programme virtual and supporting partners to do the same. Our annual march came together twice via online submissions, we supported online (and later hybrid) events and importantly continued to connect our communities with services as we increasingly needed them.
This would only have been possible due to the confidence our supporters and sponsors had in us. Without their support and vital funding, the organisation would simply have folded. Keeping a charity running, not least a growing one who’s ambitious plan was to be working across the region in our first five years, comes at a cost, so knowing we had the security and investment in our work during the pandemic was a huge relief and opportunity.
Over the COVID-19 pandemic as well as our online programme, we continued to listen and develop as an organisation. Once the pandemic started to fade and a new form of normality started to emerge, we were ready and knew what we had to do.
Our partners support was not only unwavering but continued to increase but continued to grow. Partners and funders, including our presenting partner Barclays, had seen the
potential investing in the community outside of the ‘big event’ and we began to see support for our wider work grow.
Today, whilst certainly behind where we expected to be had the pandemic not happened, our organisation has evolved unrecognisably. We’re delivering vital programmes, supporting services and events that would not have been possible had we not had time to reflect and grow.
We are certainly not there yet, nor do we get everything right. We are keen to listen, grow and adapt as things come our, and our community’s way.
Later this summer we will be releasing our ‘5 Year In Review’ that explores our journey so far, challenges and achievements, but more importantly what is to come and how we are going to do it.
I hope you will continue to join us on this journey and remain critical friends to us.
Join our team!
LCR Pride Foundation is a registered charity and we need a dedicated volunteer board to help us ensure that we continue to review and grow.
Being a trustee is a rewarding experience and lets you use your skills to ensure that our vital work continues.
We are particularly looking for new trustees with experience in the following areas:
• Finance
• Grants and Funding
• Commercial / Trading
• Governance
• Sponsorship
If that sounds like you, get in touch: recruitment@lcrpride.co.uk to find out more and arrange an informal chat with one of our current board members.
Andi Herring, CEO, LCR Pride Foundation
To find out more about being a trustee, the legalities and responsibilities, search ‘The essential trustee’ and check out the guidance from the Charities Commission.
CMAGIC CIC is the result of over 20 years of work to improve Trans, Non Binary and Intersex lives across Merseyside and Cheshire.
Our trans-led organisation is leading the change by influencing key decision makers, training workplaces and service providers and offering peer-support and counselling to members of the community.
Adult Counselling Service
Counselling for members of the community aged 18+ that live in Wirral or Cheshire areasup to 4 free sessions available with a specialist counsellor. Self-referral via the online form.
Young People and Families
Counselling Service
Sefton young people from the age of 11 and/ or their families, carers or support network can access up to 4 free sessions with a trained specialist counsellor.
NAVAJO Chartermark
An established quality and compliance assurance chartermark for employers across Cheshire and Merseyside. Please request an application form by email.
Transmission Wirral
Trans Mission Wirral is a social network for trans-spectrum identifying people, their friends, families and allies. The group provides an opportunity for building friendships, signposting support and trans-spectrum networking in a relaxed, public environment.
InTrust Merseyside
Peer to peer support for Trans and Non Binary members of the community. Open and free to all to attend, meeting monthly. Find out more via the website.
LGBT+ Suicide Prevention Initiative
Working with City of Liverpool College, advice, training and resources are available to service providers looking to support and reduce rates of self-harm and suicide from within the LGBT+ community.
LCR Pride Foundation’s vital work carries on all year round,
Merseyside Police’s apology to the LGBT+ community
LCR Pride Foundation were invited to the first-ever in-person Apologise Now event last month where Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy apologised for the historic over-policing of Merseyside’s LGBT+ communities through the enforcement of legislation that was previously in place.
We spoke to Serena about the importance of Merseyside Police acknowledging their mistreatment of LGBT+ people in the past as well as the force’s commitment to supporting our communities.
Why are Merseyside Police apologising to the LGBT+ community?
Last year, I received a letter from Peter Tatchell, as did every Chief Constable in the Country. The request from his foundation was for me to apologise on behalf of Merseyside Police,
for the historic over policing of our LGBT+ communities, explicitly for homophobic victimisation and for the way we enforced the law in the past, particularly around the 1980s and 90s. When I received the letter I gave considerable thought to his request, and immediately recognised the need to address past injustices and acknowledge the harm caused by overzealous policing and behaviour, policies and processes that enabled homophobia to thrive at that time.
Peter Tatchell sent out the letter in June 2023 - how come you are apologising now?
I wanted to understand the lived experience of our LGBT+ communities in Merseyside, both historically and now, so I could appreciate the detrimental impact policing had on those people.
As a result, we have undertaken extensive consultation with our communities, staff, and our LGBT+ network over the past 12 months. I am extremely grateful to those who were willing to share their experiences, which on occasion were traumatic, with us. I now have an informed understanding of the harm that has been caused over the years and I wanted to apologise on behalf of Merseyside Police, for our historic mistreatment of our LGBT+ communities and our homophobic application of the legislation in place at the time, which was wrongly used to proactively target members of the LGBTQ+ community, in particular gay and bisexual men. This ruined lives as it had a lasting negative impact on those who were targeted. As a result of the overuse of that legislation, members of that community didn’t feel they could be open to be who they were, or about the people they loved, for fear they would be arrested and sent to prison.
For some members of our LGBT+ community, trust may be lost in Merseyside Police as a result of historic actions. What would you say to anyone feeling this way?
I know I cannot change the past and it saddens me greatly to think that our historic actions have diminished trust in Merseyside Police and led to feelings of injustice that persist for some today. When I was appointed as Chief Constable three years ago, I made Inclusion and Community Engagement priorities for Merseyside Police. I am clear that in terms of the environment we offer our staff, and the service we provide to Merseyside communities, that we are truly inclusive and reflective of individual needs.
How will you commit to building a better relationship with LGBT+ communities in the Liverpool City Region?
More needs to be done to ensure all our communities are treated with the equity, respect and compassion they deserve. I am committed to ongoing consultation and engagement to further understand the impact of that time, to ensure we continue to learn from our mistakes and build on proactive and positive work that has been undertaken by the force over many years. Improving the confidence of our LGBT+ communities is of paramount importance to me, and I am determined to further build on the trust we have gained.
Pier Head, Liverpool Friday 26 July 2024
The soundtrack to 50 years of love and celebration
A world-class 32 PIECE ORCHESTRA
With drag legend DANNY BEARD and West End sensation ALISON JIEAR Actor and musician ASHFORD CAMPBELL and international superstar JAKE SHEARS
TRAVEL BY CAR
The nearest car park is Peel Liverpool Waters. liverpoolwaters.co.uk
Metro services at James Street are a 4 min walk away. merseyrail.org
TRAVEL BY E-SCOOTER/BIKE
Hire a e-scooter or bike from one of the hire stands around Liverpool. voi.com
The closest bus station is Liverpool One (7min walk) with Queen Square Bus Station 15 minutes away. merseytravel.gov.uk
TRAVEL BY FERRY
From Wirral, travel by Mersey Ferry to the Pier Head and enter straight onto the site. merseyferries.co.uk
TRAVEL BY PLANE
Liverpool John Lennon airport is connected by the 500 bus service from Liverpool One Bus Station. liverpoolairport.com
Critically-acclaimed LGBT+ icon Jake Shears is the headline host of Pride Classical, which will see a world-class 32-piece orchestra take to the stage to perform the best Pride anthems of the last 50 years for thousands of people at Liverpool’s Pier Head on Friday, 26 July - the eve of Pride in Liverpool.
Jake is set to be joined by a star-studded line up including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 Winner Danny Beard, West End sensation Alison Jiear and actor and musician Ashford Campbell. Pride Classical is an amazing spectacle that adds an important fundraiser and additional day to the Pride in Liverpool festival. We spoke with Jake ahead of his headline performance at Pride Classical…
What can people expect from your performance?
I’ll be bringing the party to Pride Classical Liverpool playing some Scissor Sisters classics, some of my solo stuff from my album ‘Last Man Dancing’ plus some surprises
What is your favourite Pride song and why?
It has to be ‘Walk the Night’ by Skatt Bros – it’s an edgy gay anthem that was once very obscure and is now a classic.
How was performing at Eurovision Village in Liverpool last year? Being part of the Eurovision Village last year was incredible – the crowd was totally electric and the vibe across all of Liverpool was truly magical throughout Eurovision week.
You’ve recently been working with Elton John on Tammy Faye the Musical - how has that been? Elton is such a dear friend and we’ve had a blast working on our musical Tammy Faye together. The reaction in London was great and we are so excited for it to open on Broadway later this year.
Our theme for this year’s Pride in Liverpool celebrations is Be Heard. Why is it important for LGBT+ people to Be Heard and how can we make our voices heard?
It’s never been more important to make your voice heard, particularly to represent marginalized people across the world who don’t yet enjoy the freedoms we do here.
Catch Jake Shears, alongside Danny Beard, Alison Jiear, Ashford Campbell and a world-class 32-piece orchestra at Pride Classical on Friday, 26 July. More information and set times can be found at prideinliverpool.co.uk/classical.
SCAN HERE
I DO FEEL LIKE DANCIN’
AN INTERVIEW WITH PRIDE CLASSICAL HEADLINE ACT JAKE SHEARS
Why We March With Pride
Muster from 10:30am
The first pride marches in 1970 started a global movement of coming together first and foremost as a protest. Thousands of marches take place every year to continue this legacy with many also using the opportunity to celebrate our communities.
In Liverpool the modern march we have today dates back to 2010, where the community came together following the murder of Michael Causer, a proud 18 year old who died as a result of a homophobic attack. The outpouring of grief and anger united Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ community and led us to protest.
Since then the annual march has grown each year, both in size and passion, but the act of coming together and making our voices heard continues to be just as important now as it was in 2010. Each day, we see the rights of LGBT+ people being attacked and rolled back, most significantly those of the Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex communities.
March with Pride is an opportunity to show the city a united front, where thousands of people join together in solidarity and support, celebrating the LGBT+ community and its culture and marching against prejudice, injustice and hate faced by our community here and around the world.
PRIDEQUARTER
TRAVEL BY CAR
The nearest car park is St Johns Shopping Centre. (L1 1NQ) stjohns-shopping.co.uk
Metro services at James Street are a 4 min walk away. merseyrail.org
TRAVEL BY E-SCOOTER/BIKE
Hire a e-scooter or bike from one of the hire stands around Liverpool. voi.com
The closest bus station is Queen Square Bus Station (4 min walk) with Liverpool ONE Bus Station 15 min away. merseytravel.gov.uk
TRAVEL BY FERRY
TRAVEL BY PLANE
Liverpool John Lennon airport is connected by the 500 bus service from Liverpool One Bus Station. liverpoolairport.com
Always check your journey before travel in case your chosen route is delayed or cancelled. LIVERTHEROYALBUILDING
From Wirral, travel by Mersey Ferry to the Pier Head and enter straight onto the site. merseyferries.co.uk
In association with Unilever
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival and freshen up your outfit, make-up or take advantage of our changing facilities. Follow signs for the toilets.
TRAVEL BY CAR
The nearest car park is Peel Liverpool Waters. liverpoolwaters.co.uk
Metro services at James Street are a 4 min walk away. merseyrail.org
TRAVEL
BY
E-SCOOTER/BIKE
Hire a e-scooter or bike from one of the hire stands around Liverpool. voi.com
Mann Island Canal Basin
Back by popular demand, our Young People and Families Zone has lots of activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.
The closest bus station is Liverpool One (7 min walk) with Queen Square Bus Station 15 minutes away. merseytravel.gov.uk
TRAVEL BY FERRY
From Wirral, travel by Mersey Ferry to the Pier Head and enter straight onto the site. merseyferries.co.uk
TRAVEL BY PLANE
Liverpool John Lennon airport is connected by the 500 bus service from Liverpool One Bus Station. liverpoolairport.com
Always check your journey before travel in case your chosen route is delayed or cancelled.
COLOUR KEY
Site Boundary
Entrance / Bag checks
Medical Marquee
Blue Light Village
Firefighters
Toilets / Freshen up zone
Stalls
VIP Area
Accessible Viewing Platform
Main Stage
Bar Area
Ferry Terminal
Liverpool Live Radio
Community Expo
Site Entrances
You can enter the Pride in Liverpool site through the main entrance at Brunswick Street, or via a second entrance on Mann Island.
Bag Searches
MARCH ROUTE
MARCH END
FIREFIGHTERS
We operate bag searches on site to keep everyone safe. Please don’t bring alcohol, drugs or legal highs. Unopened soft drinks and food is permitted. If you have a refillable bottle, there is free water available.
BAGCHECKS
THE ROYAL LIVER BUILDING
THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL BUILDING
THESTRAND STALLS
MANN ISLAND
THE MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL DOCKWAY
BAG CHECKS
LIVERPOOL LIVERADIO
YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILY ZONE
Pride in Liverpool’s Headline Artist this year is the iconic Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves, and she’s ready to let love shine a light on the city.
We caught up with Katrina ahead of her Pride in Liverpool performance.
What are you most looking forward to about headlining Pride in Liverpool?
It’s always a special privilege to perform at Pride and I’m looking forward to returning to Liverpool after it put on a spectacular Eurovision week last year. It’s also an opportunity for me to share my music and come together with the LGBT+ community to have fun and celebrate ourselves and our lives.
What can people expect from your performance?
Well, of course I will perform Love Shine
A Light and Walking On Sunshine and some of my own compositions as well as really fun covers and sing-alongs.
Liverpool loves you! What do you love about Liverpool?
It’s the party capital of the UK if not the world. The rich history of music and icons who originated from Liverpool give the city the honour of being beloved by music lovers and anyone who wants to have a fantastic day and night out. The people are kind, welcoming and, above all, always fun and funny. When I performed in Liverpool last year over the Eurovision weekend, I was blown away by the atmosphere of friendliness and the enthusiasm of the crowds and, in fact, everyone I met. I Can’t wait to perform for you and see you all this summer.
What are your memories of winning Eurovision in 1997?
The very best. It’s a position of enormous privilege and with it, pressure to do well so you don’t let your country down. People kept saying “the UK can’t win because of political voting” but I ignored that and decided to march out there and kill it anyway. There was so much champagne flowing backstage during the nail-biting voting bit that by the time it was officially announced the UK had won I was delirious… in a good way.
This year, Be Heard is our theme for Pride in Liverpool. What advice would you give to LGBT+ people wanting to make their voices heard?
Sometimes the best way to be heard is not through raising your voice but by making sure what you say and do represents your own personal journey. Everyone’s journey is different and equally valid. Mine with my partner has been loving and lasting. I’ll save the shouting for when I’m onstage at Pride in Liverpool!
Catch Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves, at Pride in Liverpool on Saturday, 27 July.
More information can be found at prideinliverpool.co.uk/festival.
Are you ready to
walk on sunshine?
AN INTERVIEW WITH PRIDE in liverpool HEADLINE ACT Katrina formerly of Katrina and the Waves
Pride Spotlight is an initiative from LCR Pride Foundation to support and celebrate LGBT+ artists.
We know our community is rich with so many talented individuals and groups, so we wanted to put them in one place to help make sure LGBT+ artists can be under the spotlight.
Launching as part of Pride in Liverpool, on the Albert Dock pop-up stage (located outside of the Martin Luther King Jr Building all weekend. You can enjoy performances from some of our communities shining stars.
Royal Albert Dock Spotlight Stage Line Up Includes…
SATURDAY 1-2pm Lady Sian 2-4pm
WMNKND (Sonic Yootha) & Gogo Dancers - House of La Porta 4-6pm Rois (What She Said, HomoBloc)
SUNDAY 1-4pm Sarah (Chibuku Shake Shake & Co founder of the All Women Eves Drop Collective)
This year we are proud to be working with another partner on site, The British Firefighter Challenge, who with Merseyside Fire And Rescue Service, will be hosting the national competition across Saturday 28th and Sunday 28th July.
A limited capacity viewing area on Water Street will be in place for anyone wishing to watch the challenge as well as lots of stalls and agencies as part of our ‘Blue Light Village’.
Mens & Women’s categories will compete on both Saturday and Sunday, with the relay taking place on Sunday 28th July.
Sunday site Plan
RIVERMERSEY
TRAVEL BY CAR
The nearest car park is Peel Liverpool Waters. liverpoolwaters.co.uk
Metro services at James Street are a 4 min walk away. merseyrail.org
TRAVEL
BY E-SCOOTER/BIKE
Hire a e-scooter or bike from one of the hire stands around Liverpool. voi.com
The closest bus station is Liverpool One (7 min walk) with Queen Square Bus Station 15 minutes away. merseytravel.gov.uk
TRAVEL BY FERRY
From Wirral, travel by Mersey Ferry to the Pier Head and enter straight onto the site. merseyferries.co.uk
TRAVEL BY PLANE
Liverpool John Lennon airport is connected by the 500 bus service from Liverpool One Bus Station. liverpoolairport.com
Always check your journey before travel in case your chosen route is delayed or cancelled.
AN INTERVIEW WITH PAIGE WILLIAMS
From FootbalL
To Fire
Paige Williams’ career change is more unusual than most. As a professional footballer, Liverpool-born Paige enjoyed phenomenal success, winning Serie A and the Copper Italia with Brescia Calcio Femminile in 2015-16. She also picked up two Women’s FA Cup runners-up medals, cementing herself as one to watch in women’s football.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Paige found herself doubting her future in the beautiful game and decided to take on a completely different challenge. Paige joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to blaze a trail as an LGBT+ firefighter. The 29 year-old has truly made a name for herself in firefighting and has since gone on to become a Watch Manager.
We caught up with Paige ahead of competing in the British Firefighter Challenge and celebrate afterwards at Pride in Liverpool…
What made you decide to change careers from footballer to firefighter and how was the transition? I went through a period of just falling out of love with the game, and when COVID-19 hit it gave me a bit of a reality check - what was I going to do when football eventually finished? And then I found Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and it’s been the best decision I have ever made. The transition was easy because in my eyes I was moving from one team to another. Since joining I knew instantly that I was part of an organisation that is forward-thinking and, for the best part, an inclusive environment. I think I enjoy challenging stereotypes from football to fire and I will continue to do so throughout my career.
What does a day in the life of a Watch Manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue look like?
It is a privilege for me to be a Watch Manager so early in my career and I am really enjoying the role. I still get to be operational, but I have always really enjoyed making decisions, and that is something that was a good skill I transferred over from football.
A Watch Manager is expected to lead the crew on a day-to-day basis; so carrying our briefs, planning training sessions, helping with apprentices and the officer-in-charge when we turn out to an incident. The best part about the job is the people. I love going out into the community and carrying out home fire safety checks because you get 5 minutes to make an impact on someone’s day, and sometimes you are the first person they have spoken to!
Would you say it’s important to increase women’s representation in firefighting?
For me representation is massive in any organisation that serves the public. You really do have to see it to be it and the more we can recruit the right people from underrepresented groups the better. I have always been a believer that if you can do the job then what religion, sexuality, or ethnicity you are does not matter. I take an active role in the recruitment of more women because I see the importance of diversity when we turn out to incidents. Women have an alternative way of thinking sometimes and can really bring something different. As a service, we have a higher percentage of women in operational roles than most other fire services and I do believe the tide is starting to turn and we are seeing a new generation of people who are open-minded and don’t see any barriers in the way to joining. And as a service, we will continue to break down any of these barriers.
How is Merseyside Fire and Rescue supporting and being more inclusive of LGBT+ staff?
Here in Merseyside, we have an LGBT+ network that meets up every couple of months and gives people a space to talk, ask questions and together come up with ideas on how we can move the service forward. The plan moving forward is to grow the network and hopefully bring in external people to chair some of their meetings. We also support Pride every year and take part in the March that leaves from the city centre fire station. Hopefully, moving forward, we can create an environment where every single person brings their whole self to work, and Merseyside is definitely moving in that direction.
Read Paige’s full interview and more on our newsdesk
SCAN HERE
Accessibility
We want everyone to be able to experience pride at their fullest and without barriers, that’s why we are working hard to improve accessibility across the event.
Accessible Viewing Areas
We have been able to arrange viewing areas at both March with Pride and Pride in Liverpool’s main stage.
At March with Pride, the viewing area is located between the Lion Statues (by march block 4) and can be accessed from the pavement without having to go over the pesky cobblestones of St George’s Plateau. From this viewing area you can also access the march as your block passes.
At the Pride Classical / Pride in Liverpool main stage, you can access a raised viewing area by pre-registering to access@lcrpride.co.uk. Space on the viewing area is limited so we operate on a first-come, first-served.
Blue Badge Parking Bays
Unfortunately due to essential safety measures there are no available blue badge parking spaces around the Pride in Liverpool site and limited bays at St George’s Plateau (William Brown Street). We would recommend utilising the nearby multi-story car parks at St Johns Shopping Centre (L1 1LY) and Q-Park Liverpool ONE (L1 8LT).
Break Areas
We know that the march can be a long distance for some, so there are a few accessible locations we’d recommend taking a natural break if you need to. At the march muster you may wish to take a break/seat at Liverpool Central Library (L3 8EW), along the route you might wish to break off at St Johns Shopping Centre (L1 1LY), Metquarter (L1 6DA) or Liverpool ONE (L1 8JQ) - all have accessible toilets. Many businesses along the march route would also be more than happy to welcome you.
Breastfeeding
We are proud to support the Bambis scheme and welcome breastfeeding within the Pride in Liverpool site. If you would like signposting to a more private space or seating please speak to an event steward.
British Sign Language (BSL)
We are working hard to ensure that all places where speaking/speeches take place on site are covered by BSL interpreters. Where they are available, they will be located to the right hand side of the stage in which the person is speaking on.
Dry Spaces
Our March with Pride takes place on open city streets where consuming alcohol is against local by-laws. Please adhere to these to keep the march safe for everyone.
The Pride in Liverpool site at Pier Head this site is licensed and there will be bars on site selling alcoholic drinks. A wide range of soft drinks and alcohol-free ranges are also available. The area around Mann Island and Museum of Liverpool is alcohol-free and this can only be sold and consumed within the licensed premises that are already on site.
The Young People & Families zone and Community EXPO are strictly no alcohol permitted in the space.
Level Access Areas
Lots of care has been taken to ensure that drop-curbs and level surfaces are kept clear around the event site, and where this has not been possible we have signage in place to alert you to this. Most of our event site takes place on flat public realm (which may have slight slopes within it).
When on the march, we advise sticking to the road surface rather than pavements and to the right hand side of the road - this is best covered by dropped kerbs and where our support volunteers will be located.
Medication
If you require medication to be carried on your person this is totally fine. We do ask that it is in identifiable containers and has your name on it/the labelthis will help prevent any confusion or inconvenience at security. Unfortunately we cannot store or refrigerate medication on site.
Quiet Spaces
As a busy march and event, things can be a little noisy from time to time. Whilst unfortunately we can’t guarantee blocks in the march or main event site are ‘quiet zones’ as these are open to the public there are some spaces that may be quieter.
At March With Pride, take a look around you, are there any groups with loud speakers or megaphones? Could you move further away from these? You may also find a quieter environment in Liverpool Central Library (L3 8EW).
Within the Pride site, the noisiest activity will be taking place on the North side of the Pier Head (in front of the Liver Building). Quieter spaces and seating can be found towards the South end of the Pier Head (in front of the Port of Liverpool building) and around Mann Island. Museum of Liverpool (L3 1DG) and Tate @ RIBA North Mann Island (L3 1BP) will also both have activities and exhibitions during the day which are in quieter environments.
Seating
As well as the natural seating around the Pier Head, we have provided additional seating in areas that it is safe to do so.
Toilets
We have accessible toilets throughout the Pride Classical / Pride in Liverpool event site - both at the main toilet block located in the middle of the site and in VIP areas. Surrounding businesses such as the Museum of Liverpool and Tate @ RIBA North Mann Island also have accessible toilets closer to other pride activities.
Water Access
Free water is available on site. Look for signs to the ‘Water Station’ or ask at one of the licensed bars. You are welcome to bring in unopened soft drinks to the site but please note opened bottles or reusable bottles may need to be refilled once you have entered the site.
The accessibility measures listed above cost over £10,000 to deliver. If you can, please support us ensuring these can be in place and improved on each year by making a donation to LCR Pride Foundation by scanning the QR code or Text LCRPRIDE to 70085 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
SCAN HERE
We want everyone in our region to be safe and sound but we realise that talking about these things can be a little dry. Safe & Sound is our new initiative to help break down those barriers and have fun doing it.
Each month we’ll have a fun activity that is free to take part in, in the same venue we’ll have invited some of our partners that work across health & wellbeing, crime & reporting, community building and activists who you can find out more about their work with no pressure.
Find your nearest Safe & Sound event by scanning the QR code here:
SCAN HERE Or visit lcrpride.co.uk
Liverpool City Region Hate Crime Awareness Week
Join us for a whole week of activity targeting hate crime in all of its forms, culminating in a Hate Crime Summit.
Find out more or get involved:
lcr-hcaw.org
AT RATHBONES WE RECOGNISE THAT TO CAPTURE THE FULL VALUE AND IMPACT OF OUR PEOPLE, WE NEED AN INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE WORKFORCE. HAVING EMPLOYEES THAT FEEL THEY BELONG IS CRITICAL TO US BEING ABLE TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS.
Port of Liverpool Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1NW 0151
Rathbones
Welcome to the Pride Quarter
The first LGBT+ neighbourhood to be recognised in the UK, Liverpool’s Pride Quarter is home to over 12 LGBT+ venues. Located in and around Victoria Street, Dale Street and Tithebarn Street, the quarter is an exciting destination for residents and visitors alike.
tithebarnst
TRAVEL BY CAR
The nearest car park is Q-Park Dale St (L2 2HJ) or Victoria St Multi Story (L1 6BX).
Metro services at Moorfields are a 2 min walk away. merseyrail.org
TRAVEL BY E-SCOOTER/BIKE
Hire a e-scooter or bike from one of the hire stands around Liverpool. voi.com
DALEst
KEY: G. GBAR
D. DOROTHY’S SHOWBAR 0. OMG
DD. DOROTHY’S DINER
H. HEAVEN
SB. SUPERSTAR BOUDOIR L. THE LISBON S. SOCIAL
THE NAVY BAR I. ICON P. Poste House M. THE MASQUERADE BAR
The closest bus station is Queen Square Bus Station (4 min walk) with Liverpool ONE Bus Station 15 min away. merseytravel.gov.uk
TRAVEL BY FERRY
From Wirral, travel by Mersey Ferry to the Pier Head and 10 min walk via Water Street. merseyferries.co.uk
TRAVEL BY PLANE
Liverpool John Lennon airport is connected by the 500 bus service from Liverpool One Bus Station. liverpoolairport.com
Always check your journey before travel in case your chosen route is delayed or cancelled.
The Pride Quarter has seen plenty of changes over the years. Previously known as the Stanley Street Quarter, the area continues to be the hub of Liverpool’s LGBT+ community.
Pride Quarter: In Conversation
The Lisbon
Landlady Eileen Lea has been at The Lisbon since 1999.
In the 25 years you have been at The Lisbon, what are the biggest changes you’ve noticed?
In the 90s, no one really had mobiles and we didn’t really have the internet. If you wanted to know what was going on in the scene, you had to go into the bars. You knew what time of day it was by who came in the door. For the older generation, this was a really safe place
because it was so different back then. Now it’s much freer so the younger generation don’t feel the need to be hidden but still use the quarter as a place to express themselves.
Do you think The Lisbon will still be around in another 25 years?
I think it will still be here. I don’t think I will be. It’s been going since 1888. That’s Two World Wars, umpteenth recessions, loads of Tory governments, and it’s still here. There’s no record really going back saying whether it was a gay bar in the beginning. You can only go by what people remember. My husband remembers this as a gay bar in the late 50s and early 60s.
You must have some stories after all these years…
So many! One night the pub flooded and we just couldn’t stop it. So we ended up kneeling on a chair like the scene from Titanic while it just carried on. There’s been some good ones over the years.
The Masquerade Bar
Gethin Mullock is manager at The Masquerade Bar, whilst the bar isn’t he is one of the newer faces to the Pride Quarter.
What role does The Masquerade Bar play within the LGBT+ community in Liverpool?
I know it’s kind of a cliche thing to say that a gay bar is a safe space but I do think we are. We’re open seven days a week so a lot of people come. We’ve got a good group of regulars who will come in – who always feel like they can come here. There’ll always be someone you know or can talk to. You know, sometimes they come with their friends and sometimes they come alone. We are very lucky as we’ve got a very broad range of customers. So we’ve got all the older generation coming here,but the younger people as well.
Do you notice any differences between the generations?
You get a lot of stories from the older customers of how the scene used to be and how venues like Garlands and Pink influenced them growing up. Then you’ve got the younger crowd who obviously are new to the scene or have come to Liverpool relatively recently, be that for university or whatever. They enjoy the party atmosphere a lot more.. All generations of customers get along here,which is a nice thing and something you might not get everywhere. So I think that makes The Masquerade a special place.
G Bar
Andrew Pankhurst worked as manager at G Bar for almost 21 years and has recently left to pursue his career as a teacher.
How does it feel to have left G Bar?
I can’t even describe it. It’s really bittersweet. One half of me is glad to be off nights so I don’t have to work until seven o’clock in the morning anymore. And the other half is sad that such a massive part of my life has come to an end. But it’s come to a natural end, I’ve not been left with any open questions or regrets which is all I ever really wanted.
Lots of venues come and go in the Pride Quarter, but G Bar remains a pillar of the scene. Why do you think that is?
It had something when it opened back in the 90s – that something has never
left it. It’s not just a nightclub to some people, it’s a kind of home. It’s like a comfortable pair of slippers, if that makes sense.
How has the scene changed since you began working at G Bar?
When I started, there were nowhere near as many nightclubs and bars. So the nightlife was a bit limited. But I would never, as a younger person, go out to to other parts of the city. Obviously this is where Pride comes in as acceptance has grown and people’s attitudes have changed and they have opened their eyes a bit more and realised that we are equal and equality’s grown. All these things have improved and with it so has. the nightlife. That’s what I love about G Bar because, obviously it’s an LGBT+ venue, but it’s also a mixed venue. Garlands was like that. Everyone was free to be who they wanted to be.
Visit our news desk to read the full interviews with Eileen, Gethin and Andrew.
SCAN HERE
IRIS PRIZE
The IRIS Prize is the world’s largest LGBT+ short film competition with prizes up to £30,000 and money can’t buy features on Channel 4.
This year, LCR Pride Foundation selected Fairview Park to represent the North West at the Best of British.
A haunting but poignant short film based on true events, Fairview Park tells the story of Declan Flynn, a 31-year-old man struggling for self-acceptance, who is preyed upon by a gang of self-described ‘Queer-bashers’ in Dublin, 1982.
We spoke with Fairview Park Director Ellie Hodgetts and Co-Producer Joe Tapp about getting Declan’s story right, working with Declan’s brother and being shortlisted for an Iris Prize…
Why was it important for you to tell the story of Declan Flynn?
Ellie: When I first heard about it, it was quite a few years ago now, I was shocked that I hadn’t heard about it
before. It’s important to get the word out that it happened in the first place. This happened 40 years ago but there’s similar stuff happening now.
How was working with Declan’s brother Paul Flynn?
Ellie: It was daunting to even reach out to the family in the first place. We wouldn’t have wanted to make the film without their approval.
Paul is such a lovely guy and he helpedus so much.
How did you react to being nominated for the Iris Prize?
Joe: It’s one of the first festivals you put down on the sheet to get into. To be shortlisted is great. For us, it gives us an opportunity to actually let the right people see the film and network and build upon what we’ve created.
There has been such a positive reaction to the film. How has that been for you?
Yeah, it’s really special. It’s very overwhelming to have the first film I’ve written and directed on Channel Four, I didn’t expect that. It was so inspiring to be at the Iris Prize Festival because, even though I felt like a total imposter, to be around so many gay people and films and filmmakers was incredible.
You touched upon this previously, but why is it important to tell the stories of older gay women?
I think it’s really important to see everybody represented, and these are people I just don’t see. As you get older, you start thinking more about what is the future, especially as a gay woman
Visit www.lcrpride.co.uk for the extended interviews with Ellie, Joe and Elinor. Head to irisprize.org for more information on the Iris Prize Festival.
‘You’re Safe Here’ is an accreditation that reassures your customers that they can feel safe in your business. It equips your staff with knowledge of what to do if someone needs help, has been a victim of a crime or feels unsafe.
Launched in 2021 following a spate of hate crimes against the city’s LGBT+ community, LCR Pride Foundation worked with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, Emily Spurrell to provide night time economy venues with this training and vital resources.
Thanks to funding from Culture Liverpool and Liverpool BID Company, in 2022 the foundation was able to extend the scheme to cultural venues and retail and corporate businesses.
To find out how your business could be ‘You’re Safe Here’ Accredited contact: training@lcrpride.co.uk
Accredited Venues
92 Degrees
ACC Liverpool
Accor Hotel Group
Adelphi Hotel
Adiago Aparthotel
Arts Bar Hope Street
Avenue HQ
Baa Bar Fleet St.
Beatles Story
Big Issue North
Blackstone St Warehouse
Blue and Sixpence Bridal
Bluecoat
Bombed Out Church
Boston Pool Loft
Breakout Liverpool
Bridewell
Brooklyn Mixer
Campanile Liverpool
Celtic Corner
Central Liverpool Primary
Care Network
Coyote Ugly
Decathlon
Dirty O’Sheas
Einstein
Electrik
Elysium Liverpool
Everyman Theatre
Fazenda
Fitzgeralds
Fusion
Grapes
Haul Beer Vo
Heaven
Hotel Anfield
Irish House
John Lewis
La’go
Lanigans
Legends
Leonardo Hotel Level
Lifestyles Alsop
Lime Street Central
Liverpool Guild of Students
Liverpool Arts Bar
Liverpool BID Company
Liverpool City Sights
Liverpool Empire
Liverpool Famous Walking Tour
Liverpool Gin Distillery
Liverpool Visitors Centre
Lock and Key Hotel
Love Lane
Lush Liverpool Spa
Masquerade bar
McCooleys Concert Square
McCooleys Mathew Street
Medicash
Metquarter
Modo
Moloko
National Museums Liverpool
Navy Bar
New Start Homes
NHS PCN
North Shore Troubadour
Open Eye Gallery
Peacock
Playhouse Theatre
Prepped With Passion
Pullman Liverpool
Racquet Club
Revolver
RIBA North
Rocking Horse
Royal Liver Building
Rubber Soul
Ruby Blues
Savera UK
Sefton Park Palmhouse
Sgt Peppers
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Smokies
Soho
Sportpesa
St. Brides Liverpool
Sugar & Dice
Taggys Bar
Tate Liverpool
The Egg Café
The Life & Soul Celebrant
The Lisbon
The Masquerade
The Old Bank
The Poste House
The Shed
The Shipping Forecast
The Tung Auditorium
The Women’s Organisation
TJ Morris
Torus Foundation
Ustay
Utility
Well Liverpool
Yankees
Zanzibar
You’re Safe Here: Liverpool Gin Distillery
Liverpool Gin Distillery is one of many You’re Safe Here accredited venues in Liverpool City Centre. We spoke to staff member Akiel Owoo about receiving You’re Safe Here training and why it’s important that more venues get accredited.
What did you expect from You’re Safe Here training?
I just thought it was just going to be one of those general safety training sessions. So you’d go in and you’d be given a brochure and then, obviously, be given certain instructions, but it was a lot more engaging than I actually expected.
Do you think that it’s been beneficial to staff?
Yes, definitely. I didn’t realise how much access there is to help and support out there. A lot of people are negative when it comes to the Police or why LGBT+ rights should matter to them. We focus on the bad parts, and never hear about the good parts. So it’s nice to see that there are certain departments of the police that you can actually talk to and get help from and then they can refer you to charities that can support you as well.
How do you think You’re Safe Here supports visitors to your venue and other accredited venues? You know you are surrounded by other people who are like-minded, who mightn’t even be in the LGBT+ community, but they are there to support you. If you are new to the city and feel a bit vulnerable due to your identity, it’s nice to know that there are businesses that you can go to and feel safe and be yourself.
Would you say that every venue across Liverpool City Region should have You’re Safe Here training?
I think it would be really beneficial. When you miscommunicate or misunderstand, that’s where hate can come from. We fear what we don’t know. This just helps everyone be on the same page and know you’re saying the right thing.
Visit youresafehere.info to find out more. You can also book onto an upcoming training session.
St Helens Pride returned for a vibrant celebration of love, diversity and equality on Saturday, 8 June. Held at The World of Glass, the family-friendly event brought the community together in support of LGBT+ inclusivity.
This year’s event focused on educational outreach and provided valuable resources for the community. Attendees were able to access a variety of educational market stalls, where they could find information and support related to health and wellbeing.
When it came to entertainment, the day featured live performances programmed by MD Productions, including dancers, singers, and DJs in The World of Glass garden. There were fun activities for youngsters too, such as treasure hunts and story times delivered by St Helens Library Service, plus arts and crafts funded by St Helens Art in Libraries.
We spoke with Miguel Doforo of MD Productions, one of the event’s key organisers, to find out more about how the day went…
How was St Helens Pride this year? Miguel: The event was a fantastic success! It was heartwarming to see the community coming together to celebrate diversity and equality at The World of Glass. Attendees really engaged with the activities - we saw families enjoying the craft sessions, kids engaging with the treasure hunts and story times, and everyone getting into the spirit with the live entertainment from our amazing dancers, singers, and DJs. It was a day filled with joy, music, and laughter, and it truly highlighted St Helens as a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We’re thrilled with how it went and very grateful for all the support that made it possible.
Do you think Pride is needed in St Helens?
Miguel: Definitely. There’s a big part of our community here in St Helens that’s just not getting the visibility it deserves. We’re here to change that. St Helens Pride is all about creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported. It’s all about celebrating our town’s diversity, showing off the fantastic mix of folks that call St Helens home, and just having a good time together.”
How can people support St Helens Pride?
Miguel: Get stuck in! Spread the word on social media. Every bit helps. We’re also on the lookout for sponsors to help us make next year’s event bigger, bolder, and even more brilliant.
Similarly, where can LGBT+ people go for support in St Helens?
Miguel: There’s a whole bunch of great organisations, many of which had stalls in our St Helens Pride Marketplace. Over the Rainbow Group, Sahir House, and the YMCA are a few good examples. They’re all keen to help out and offer advice.
What’s next for St Helens Pride?
Miguel: We’re currently working our way through this year’s feedback and have had loads of suggestions and great ideas put forward, so we’re already starting to plan the next one. We’re thinking of bringing back the parade and getting more local shops and businesses in on the action next year. It’s about growing the event, spreading even more love, and making sure everyone has a great time.
St. Helens Pride 2024 was organised by partners including MD Productions, St. Helens Libraries, St. Helens NHS Sexual Health, The World of Glass, St. Helens Arts in Libraries and Owl & Hare Marketing & PR.
Sefton Pride returned for a fabulous day of uplifting and celebrating the LGBT+ community on June 15 and took place in Victoria Park, Southport.
Amongst the entertainment included sets from a mix of singers and bands such as Sam Hopper, Kenny Thompson, Kriss James, The Lost Voices, The Violets, ConeHeads and The Party Band, plus a high-energy performance from MD Productions. There were also unforgettable performances from Filla Crack and Jacqueline Fontaine.
Sefton Pride Founder Jen Corcoran was on hosting duties for the day. We caught up with Jen to find out more…
How was taking part in Sefton Pride this year?
Sefton Pride was another incredible privilege to be part of. Our march was led by our youth group which felt really symbolic of us making it about the whole community, and striding forwards towards the future!
Why is it important for Sefton to celebrate Pride?
It is important for everyone to celebrate Pride - we should always remember the Stonewall uprising and the battles the community has faced and continues to. We should also celebrate progress and being your most authentic self and find beauty in all forms!
What is the general reaction to Sefton Pride from Sefton residents?
The general reaction from Sefton residents has been overwhelmingly positive. I have been contacted by older members of the community who never thought they’d see a Pride where they lived and were really pleased it was happening. Parents of LGBT+ young people and LGBT+ families have come to our events and said they want to learn and support. In turn one family said their
child walked into our event and felt like they were among “people like me”. Older couples have felt safer to be themselves in public and the event was enjoyed by individuals, families, friends and everything in-between!
What’s next for Sefton Pride?
We are looking forward to visiting other Prides this Summer. Sefton Pride also hopes to be delivering a winter event in 2024 and of course, another summer event in 2025. In the meantime we will continue to engage with local services and organisations to support their offer for the community, as well as finding out what the community needs from us.
Where can LGBT+ Sefton residents find support or voice their concerns?
We are always happy to be contacted for any signposting and will do our best to get people what they need.
Frontline services such as fire, police and NHS workers should always be able to assist. Specific to the borough, young people can access New Beginnings, a youth service. Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid have a drop in for any LGBTQIA+ residents who are concerned about domestic abuse in any form.
The Life Rooms have a regular coffee morning. Sefton Councillors are being trained to be Hate Crime Ambassadors and are another good port of call. Also, Sefton Library services are very supportive and the Crosby Library in particular is a sanctuary space. They’ve hosted multiple events for Pride month and are always looking for ways to better serve the community in all its intersectionality!
Pride in Halton returned for a third time on Saturday 6th July.
The day saw a host of entertainment, including performances from local drag queens celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ (LGSM) ‘Pits and Perverts Ball’.
Other anniversaries celebrated at this year’s party-themed event included 50 years of Halton becoming a borough and the 50th anniversary of ABBA, which was honoured by a showstopping performance from ABBA Attack.
A candlelit vigil was also held as a symbol of solidarity, remembrance and hope.
Event organiser Hayley Smith, who helps run Halton-based Northwest HIV Support CIC, caught us up on the day’s events and discussed her plans for the future of Pride in Halton as well as tackling stigmatisation of the LGBT+ community.
How was Pride in Halton this year?
This year, it was back at Norton Priory. Last year, we had Jonathan Blake (LGBT+ rights activist and former member of LGSM) who is a patron of Pride in Halton so it was great that we continued that tradition and had lots of artists celebrating the LGSM concert’s 40th Anniversary.
We enjoyed performances from GLOW, Halton’s LGBT+ youth group, an ABBA tribute act and Sheela Vim. The event was on from 12 to 7 and then had an afterparty, where Sheela Vim performed as well. It was jam-packed.
What are the main reasons that Pride is needed in Halton?
We know there’s lots of work to be done, This will be our third year. We’ve had some barriers but we’ve overcome them and we’ll continue to do so for many years to come. Looking to the future, is Pride in Halton likely to return next year?
Yes. Next year, we’re hoping to be even bigger. We’d also love to organise a march to bring us all together. There’s never been a more important time to be visible, and that’s of course why we do it.
Knowsley’s first-ever Pride event will be held in Huyton this summer, in a day of celebration and awareness for residents, families, local organisations and the LGBTQ+ community.
Knowsley Pride ‘Rainbow in the Park’ will take place in Court Hey Park, Huyton on Friday 2 August 2024 and welcomes people of all ages to enjoy the festivities.
Spearheaded by charitable organisation, One Knowsley and the Knowsley Pride Steering Group with funding from the Michael Causer Foundation.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the death of Michael Causer, who was tragically murdered in Knowsley on 2 August 2008, and will culminate in the 16th annual vigil for the Whiston-born teen.
Members of the LGBT+ arts and creative community are being invited to apply for community grants that will support various commissions providing family-friendly activities and sessions for Knowsley Pride that inspire connections and build understanding around inclusivity and equality.
Register your interest by emailing Ami-Lee.Price@OneKnowsley.org.
One Knowsley Chief Executive Officer Racheal Jones spoke to us about bringing the first-ever Pride event to Knowsley.
What inspired you to bring a Pride event to Knowsley?
The inspiration behind Knowsley Pride stems from our commitment to honoring the legacy of Michael Causer and all victims of hate crimes. By organising this event, we aim to educate and bring our community together in a shared mission against hate, while celebrating the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in Knowsley.
As this will be the first-ever Knowsley Pride, what can people expect?
With this being our first Pride, the focus is on Community. You can expect a family-friendly event filled with entertainment and activities for all ages. It will be a day of celebration and awareness, with various sessions designed to inspire connections and build understanding around inclusivity and equality.
How has the reaction been to Knowsley Pride so far?
The reaction from the local community and businesses has been overwhelming and people are excited to participate and show their support for the LGBT+ community. Local businesses and community groups are eager to contribute to making this event a memorable celebration.
Likewise, how can people support Knowsley Pride?
People can support Knowsley Pride by attending the event, spreading the word on social media and joining us on the day. Volunteering and collaborating with local organisations are also great ways to contribute. Donations to support the event and the Michael Causer Foundation are always appreciated.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ knowsleypride2024
New Brighton Pride was conceived back in 2022 recognising many of our community were experiencing isolation following the pandemic and in the spirit of uniting everyone again.
Later that year the first ever Pride event took place on Wirral and New Brighton Pride was born. It returned again for 2023 and has grown further for this year.
We caught up with chairperson Jamie Carter ahead of this year’s event, in the Victoria Quarter on Saturday, 31 August.
What can people expect from
New Brighton Pride this year?
It’s going to be bigger again. We’ve changed the location to an area that’s a lot more community focused on Victoria Road in New Brighton. All the venues are getting involved and there’s going to be a stage on the road. We’ve got marquees for the outside stores. A lot of new performers. It’s very exciting. So come along. There’s going to be lots of local performers, amazing talent.
Can you give any teasers on the announcements coming?
There’s announcements coming about what our organisation is going to be doing the rest of the year, rather than just being a one-day-a-year organisation. We’re going to be doing stuff throughout the year as well. But all that will be announced on the day of New Brighton Pride.
How’s the reaction been in the past to the events that you’ve done?
Absolutely incredible. We did feedback last year and it was outstanding. It was 99% Positive. Where we get feedback on things we can improve, we use that as a basis for the next event as we grow.
PRIDE DATES FURTHER AFIELD
12 - 14 July
Sparkle Weekend Manchester
13 July
Barnsley Pride
Rochdale Pride
20 - 21 July 2024
Northern Pride / Newcastle
20 July 2024
Congleton Pride
Glasgow Pride
Macclesfield Pride
Nantwich Pride
Oldham Pride
Chesterfield Pride
22 - 28 July 2024
Hebden Bridge / Happy Valley Pride
27 July 2024
Belfast Pride
Hull Pride
Morecambe Pride
3 August 2024
Trans Pride Manchester
10 August 2024
Levenshulme Pride
Prestwich Pride
Wigan Pride
11 August 2024
Wakefield Pride
17 August 2024
Chester Pride
23 - 26 August 2024
Manchester Pride
25 August 2024
Sesku Pride (South Elmsall, South Kirby, Upton)
UK Black Pride
31 August 2024
Bi Pride UK
Chase Pride
Didsbury Pride/ South Manchester
New Brighton Pride
LCR Pride Foundation has brought together Pride organisers from around the region. The local network has the aim to help Pride activities and events across the region grow by sharing resources, learnings and skills. Working together the six regions of the Liverpool City Region will be engaging with their communities and using this feedback to shape their events and have a larger influence across the region.
For more information about organisations in your region contact: info@lcrpride.co.uk
LGBT+ Entrepreneur?
Do you run your own business or wish you could start one?
LCR Pride Foundation’s Enterprise Programme, supported by Barclays, is looking for its first intake of participants for a 12 week support programme starting from September.
If you would like to register your interest email participate@lcrpride.co.uk for an application form.
You can now support the essential work of LCR Pride Foundation by joining up as a ‘Partner With Pride’our new tiered support package.
Join now for:
Invitation to annual workplace seminars, Pride Business Breakfasts across the region,
Be the first to know about exciting announcements,
Discounted ticket releases before the general public,
Bespoke training support up to 3 times per year included,
Access to our network of partners and services,
Peace of mind you are supporting the work of LCR Pride Foundation in a meaningful and genuine way.
To arrange a chat about partnering with us, get in touch: partners@lcrpride.co.uk
Connect, Learn and Lead with Pride
Imagine what a city region could look like if every one of our workplaces and every single venue, was fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and the allyship of the LGBT+ people.
Our Proud Workplaces and Partners with Pride scheme is designed to achievejust that, offering a unique membership that goes way beyond the traditional models of business clubs and networking groups.
Membership benefits your whole business – from raising your profile as a leader within our movement and building like-minded contacts, to discounts and access to training.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to be one of our Partners with Pride and take your commitment to the next level.
Get in touch and a member of the team will contact you with more information partners@lcrpride.co.uk
Membership Criteria
Please note, that to maintain the integrity of the Club, prospective members must meet specific criteria. We are vigilant against PinkWashing, ensuring that every member is genuinely aligned with our mission. More information can be found on our website.
Young People
LGBT+ Young Person
LGBT+ Youth Group Business
LGBT+ Friendly Venue
Pride Quarter Venue
LGBT+ Friendly Business of the Year
LGBT+ Workplace Group/Network
Employee of the Year
Business Person/
Entrepreneur of the Year
Community Work
LGBT+ Community Group
Community Event of the Year
Making a Difference Award (Individual)
Inclusive Sports Group/Team
Individuals/Groups:
Performer/Personality of the Year
Ally of the Year
Campaigner of the Year
Lifetime Contribution
LCR Pride Awards Roundtable
The LCR Pride Lifetime Achievement Award is a special award that is selected each year through public nominations. We had the pleasure of being joined by two previous recipients for a roundtable discussion, including the first ever winner and Liverpool’s legendary drag queen, Lady Sian, alongside last year’s winner Tracy O’Hara QPM, a trailblazing Detective Sergeant in Merseyside Police and the chair of their LGBT+ network.
What was it like to receive the LCR Pride Lifetime Achievement Award?
Lady Sian: The most wonderful thing that ever happened to me in my life! It really helped me believe in myself for whoI am. It’s nice to be important, but it’simportant to be nice. I’ve been doing this for 42 years and I’m sort of slowing down now but that’s what I want to be remembered for, you know, for helping others, making friends and listening to people.
Tracy: Incredible. I have to say, I was just so proud, but so stunned at the sametime, I genuinely had no clue that it would be me or be somebody from the police. But to actually get it, oh
my word what an honour. We know that sometimes people don’t trust the police and we know people within our own community don’t trust us, so to stand in that moment, and be awarded that and get that reception, what a proud moment.
You have both had long careers inwhat you do. What are some of your highlights?
Lady Sian: So much, from being crowned by Lily Savage in the Alternative Miss Liverpool to 1991 winning the glamorous Miss Wirral. I’ve been asked to be a pop star to being on the TV on Emmerdale Farm.
Tracy: The award is right up there. I think when you’re part of a community yourself and you work in such a big organisation, like Merseyside Police, I think there are times that come around where you wish somebody would say, “nice job”. Because, you know, there’s so many brilliant people in Merseyside. To be chosen from within your own community, and by your own community, is just so special. There are other things I’ve achieved in my career like the Queens Police Medal, International Police Officer of the year and British Police Officer of the Year, but this was right up there because I felt acknowledged and that people recognise what I do. And for my Chief, who enables all I do, to be there with her support, was so special.
If you could say anything to your younger self about the journey you are about to take with your career, what would you say?
Lady Sian: If I could go back to being younger and to know what I know now, I’d love to say to myself there’s highs and lows, but lots of highs.
I’m an advocate for people not taking drugs and reaching out for support as a result of my own experiences, but I use all of my experiences to help others. I hope believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and they can be themselves.
Tracy: From the day when I almost left the force due to homophobia, to now being able to march through the streets in my uniform with my partner, I would never have dreamed that. I would never have envisaged that day, you know, never, never in a million years. If you’d have said to me in 1996, “stay with it, because one day, you’ll be in uniform marching through the streets of Liverpool, and people will be applauding you and want to shake hands and you can hold your partner’s hand”. i just wouldn’t have believed it.
Read the extended interviews with Lady Sian and Tracy here
SCAN HERE
Established in 2020, during the COVID19 pandemic, the LCR Pride Foundation Community Fund was designed to support groups, organisations and individuals working to support our community.
Funding is available for community-led activity in Liverpool City Region. Other funds we hold include a focus on Physical Activity, Safe Spaces and film, all supporting on-theground work making LGBT+ lives better across the Liverpool City Region.
We were delighted to bring back the LCR Pride Community Fund at the start of the year as part of our three year partnership with Barclays, offering up to £15,000 of grants to projects and ideas that reduce the barriers LGBT+ people face in their day-to-day lives.
Since then, we have heard from an array of inspiring individuals and organisations aiming to better the lives of local LGBT+ people through innovative initiatives.
Amongst the awarded projects include:
LGBTQi Domestic Abuse Open Support – Sefton (Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid)
Aiming to support victims of domestic abuse
through dedicated LGBT+ drop in clinics and resources for organisations across Sefton.
PROUD to be Little Movers – Wirral (Wirral Little Movers)
Bringing together LGBT+ families in Wirral through social activities and fitness classes.
Mersey Rose Inclusion Project – St Helens and wider (Mersey Rose Recreationals Cricket Club)
A cricket club focused on inclusion seeking to create a new space for LGBT+ people interested in playing cricket.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS Through THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
Liverpool Trans Enby FC are the latest recipients of the LCR Pride Community Fund. We spoke with founder Kat Plumb about the beginnings of the club and how they are breaking down barriers and bringing people together through their love for football.
How did Liverpool Trans Enby FC form?
Trans Enby FC started in July 2023 and was created because of a desire to be a part of a club that centred the trans community within its core, and celebrate trans people taking up space on and off the pitch. We wanted a
trans-led club where anyone can come and play football and meet other trans people from the community, be social, get some exercise, and of course, have a laugh. We wanted to take the pressure off of people wanting to reignite their passion for football and encourage anyone wanting to play football for the first time in a safe and friendly environment without judgment.
How is your team overcoming barriers to show that football is for everyone?
We’ve managed to keep the club within a ‘pay what you can scheme’, which allows everyone to participate regardless of their economic background. We are constantly evolving with professional coaches who use
gender-inclusive language and are actively aware of how important it is to maintain a safe space. Finally, to overcome loneliness and isolation in our community, we hold a free Saturday morning kick-about in Sefton Park with a social coffee at Keith’s down on Lark Lane after. This is to continue socialising and creating a sense of community for support for our players.
Tell us a bit more about your online fundraiser…
Our GoFundMe page went live on the 11th of June 2024 to raise money for the club during Pride Month. Within 3 days we raised over £800, and our goal is £2,000. The funding would go towards pitch hire, coaches, equipment and keeping the club financially inclusive for all, and maybe a football kit as well.
How is the club planning to use the LCR Pride Community Fund?
Our goal for the club with the funding would be to give back to the trans community and also support local communities, charities, and food banks, basically creating lasting relationships and breaking down barriers. We still have a long way to go with the funding but this is a club I hope to see around for years to come and I hope we can give longevity to our growing trans community.
What are other ways people can support Liverpool Trans Enby FC?
If you can donate to our GoFundMe page that would be brilliant, if you are not able just share with LGBTQ+ businesses, organisations, friends, and family. We hope through social media and word of mouth we can get our club out there and grow and hopefully also recruit new players; new names and pronouns to shout across the pitch.
Visit gofund.me/90b9363e to make a donation.
Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA) is situated in Sefton and is celebrating 50 years this year. SWACA provides effective crisis intervention, early intervention and preventative services. SWACA were the recipients of the LCR Pride Community Fund earlier this year and plan to use the grant to support LGBT+ victims of domestic violence. We spoke to their Diversity and Inclusion Lead Victoria about supporting Sefton’s LGBT+ community.
Tell us about SWACA and the services you currently provide… We have specialist services to enable everyone to overcome the impact of domestic abuse. These include; advocacy, advice, structured programmes of work, parenting support, legal advice and therapeutic support on a one to one, family or group work basis. We promote empowerment and resilience. SWACA delivers multi-agency training across Sefton and works in partnership with statutory and voluntary sectors on an operational and strategic level. SWACA is an evolving service and will continue to do so. This is due to our fantastic trustees, management team and dedicated workers.
Why did SWACA decide to apply for the LCR Community Fund?
SWACA as an organisation strives to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion remain a high priority. We have been working with service users from the LGBT+ community but felt that we needed to be more inclusive in our approach. We know that historically domestic abuse goes unreported in the LGBT+ community and this impact alone can be devastating. Everyone deserves the right to access support and recovery from domestic abuse.
How does SWACA aim to support Sefton’s LGBT+ community?
Domestic abuse in the LGBT+ community can be multifaceted due to complexities and barriers that are faced. We aim to provide a wraparound service that promotes safety, risk reduction, awareness and recovery so that people from the community feel fully understood and supported. In doing this we hope to break down internal, external, societal, practical and professional barriers that prevent people from the LGBT+ community in reporting abuse and accessing support.
Is there anything you would like to say to those who may be reading this and could benefit from using SWACA services?
Everyone from the LGBT+ community will have different individual needs, but we will listen to you and assess those needs so that your support and program of work will reflect this. We will create a safe space for you to feel comfortable.
You can find out more about SWACA services here: swaca.com
SUPPORT SERVICES
Dealing with Hate Crime: Citizens Advice (10am-4pm)
citizensadviceliverpool.org.uk
0151 522 1400 (ext 5006)
Stop Hate UK
0800 1381625
info@stophateuk.org
Sexual Health, PrEP & Living with HIV: Axess Sexual Health 0300 323 1300 axess.clinic
George House Trust / PaSH
0151 245 4746
Email: peter@ght.org.uk ght.org.uk
Sahir
Call: 0151 237 3989
Email: info@sahir.org.uk sahir.org,uk
Support after a crime: Victim Support (24hrs) 0808 168 9111 victimsupport.org.uk
Support if you have been sexually assaulted:
Safe Place Merseyside (24hrs)
0151 295 3550 safeplacemerseyside.org.uk
Need someone to talk to? Samaritans (24hrs)
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
LGBT+ Specific Helpline LGBT Switchboard (10am-10pm)
Human Trafficking, Exploitation and Crime: Causeway 03333 055336
info@wearecauseway.org.uk
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