From the Editor
On behalf of the entire Organising Committee, let me welcome you to Southampton Pride 2024!
We are thrilled to have you join us for a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and equality on August 24th and 25th. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a range of activities, performances, and opportunities for connection.
Pride is more than just a festival; it’s a movement We march to honour those who fought for our rights, to celebrate our identities, and to stand in solidarity against discrimination It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and to inspire future generations to continue advocating for equality. Join us in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and making this Pride one to remember Together, we create a world where everyone is free to be their authentic selves
Pride is a powerful reminder of our community's resilience and strength. It's a protest against the injustices that many still face and a celebration of the progress we've achieved. Pride events serve as safe spaces for people to express themselves, share their stories, and connect with others They highlight the importance of visibility and representation, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance
By coming together, we honour our history, celebrate our present, and pave the way for a more inclusive future Pride is a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and our unwavering commitment to equality and human rights
Jay Edwards-Bannon (He/Him)
Marketing & Communications Manager
Welcome to the Big Pride Weekend!
The very first time Southampton Pride will be held over two whole days - fingers crossed for than last year It was the success of last year’s event and the commitment of all of you who sang in the torrential rain that inspired us to experiment with this weekend long festival After 8 years of running Southampton Pride we have grown to a size and strength that we could never have predicted. We are now one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the country and it is all down to you!
I would like to take this time to thank all of our sponsors, partners venues, supporters, volunteers, suppliers, performers and of course guests for everything you do all year round for Southampton Pride This event would simply not be possible without the support of you all.
I hope you enjoy The Big Pride Weekend in the style I know only the amazing people of Southampton can, along with our incredible headliners and simply our best schedule of talent we’ve ever brought you
Thank you again and Happy Pride Southampton!
Julianne
Julianne Watling-McCarthy Director, Southampton Pride CIC
ThePrideTeam
DIRECTORS
PROUD HEADLINE SPONSOR OF
#SOProudPrideMarch
PridemarchesarevitalexpressionsofvisibilityandsolidarityfortheLGBTQ+community.Theycommemoratehistorical strugglesandvictories,suchastheStonewallRiots,servingasbothcelebrationsofdiversityandprotestsagainstongoing discrimination Theseeventscreateasafespaceforindividualstoexpresstheirtrueselves,fosteringasenseofcommunity andbelonging Bydrawingpublicattention,pridemarcheseducatethebroadersocietyaboutLGBTQ+issues,promoting acceptance,equality,andhumanrights.Theysymboliseresilienceandtheongoingfightforjusticeandinclusion.
The#SOProudPrideMarchwillbeginatQueensParkat11am,proceedingontoBritonStreet.Participantswillthenturn rightontotheHighStreet,passingthroughtheBargate,whereaphotopausewilloccur ThemarchcontinuesupAboveBar StreetandpastCivicCentreRoad.
Thisyear,duetotherelocationofourMainStage,therewillbenoentranceonAboveBarStreet Instead,themarchwillenter GuildhallSquarearound12pmviathenewSecondEntranceonCommercialRoad,withallparticipantspassingthrough securitychecks
Pridewillalways beaprotest
By Daniel Langrish-Beard
Pride events have become synonymous with the celebration and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Behind the vibrant parades, colourful flags, and festive atmosphere lies a rich history of protest and struggle
From the Stonewall Riots to modern-day Pride parades, Pride represents both protest and the historical journey of the LGBTQ+ community in its fight for equality and recognition.
Before the Stonewall Riots in 1969, LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination, prejudice, and persecution. Homosexuality was largely stigmatised, forcing many LGBTQ+ people to live in silence, fear, and shame Police raids on gay bars were common, and being openly queer often resulted in severe legal consequences.
The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, became a flashpoint for change. In June 1969, a series of spontaneous demonstrations erupted in response to yet another police raid. However, this time, the patrons fought back, igniting six days of protest known as the Stonewall Riots This pivotal moment galvanised the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the establishment of the Gay Liberation Front and fuelling the momentum for Pride as a form of protest
In recent years, Pride has embraced a more intersectional approach, acknowledging that LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges based on their intersecting identities, such as race, ethnicity, and gender identity. This shift reflects a broader understanding that true equality requires addressing the systemic discrimination faced by all marginalised communities.
The 1970s witnessed the birth of the Gay Liberation Movement, a collective effort to demand civil rights, acceptance,andsocialrecognition.Thefirstanniversaryof the Stonewall Riots was commemorated with marches in several cities, marking the origins of the modern-day Pride parade These early parades sought to break societal norms, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, and provide a platform for individuals to proudly express their trueselves
As the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained traction, Pride events evolved into a blend of celebration, remembrance, and protest In the face of adversity, the LGBTQ+ community found strength in unity, transforming their struggles into moments of empowerment and joy Pride marches became an opportunity to celebrate progress made, remember those who fought for equality, and demandfurtherchangewhereneeded.
Pride as protest is an enduring testament to the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights, acceptance, and visibility From the Stonewall Riots to the modern-day Pride marches, this celebration has evolved into a multifaceted event that embraces both joy and protest. As we continue to move forward, it is essential to remember the roots of Pride and to advocate for the rights and dignity of all LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that the struggle for equality remains attheforefrontofthisempoweringmovement
PleasevisittheactivismstallatSouthamptonPridetolearn howyoucanhelp.
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ISSY SOMERS
ROYAL COURT THEATRE COMPANY
CHARLEY STRIDE
CHERRYLIQUOR
ROBHOUCHEN
ASHLEY PAUL
WHITE N SPICED
IMMERSIVE DANCE COMPANY
GEORGE REDWOOD
CHANNY THOMPSON
ADAM RENZ
BRAD DAVIS-WHITE
LAYLA
BETH
COMMUNITY STAGE
By Jay Edwards-Bannon
OneinFive,theUK’sfirstnationalTVshowforandabout lesbianandgaypeople,isshownonChannel4in1982. SetinLondon’sHeavennightclub,themagazine-style showexploredtheproblemsfacingqueerpeoplein Britain,andhowtochallengethem.Thefirstkiss betweentwogaymentobebroadcastonBritishTVwas showninanepisodeofEastenders,betweencharacters ColinRussellandhispartnerBarryClark.Thisfollowedan earlierscenein1987,inwhichColinkissedBarryonthe forehead–itselfalandmarkmoment
1990s 1980s
sawasignificantexpansioninLGBTQ+narratives."Oranges AreNottheOnlyFruit"(1990)depictedayounglesbian's strugglesinastrictreligiouscommunity."Brookside"made historyin1994withthefirstlesbiankissonBritishtelevision, featuringcharactersBethJordacheandMargaretClemence, breakingsignificantgroundinLGBTQ+representation. "QueerasFolk"(1999),createdbyRussellTDavies,was groundbreakingforitscandidportrayalofgaylifein Manchester,challengingmanytaboos.
2000s
The
2010s
markedaperiodofmainstreamacceptanceand inclusion."CoronationStreet"featuredagroundbreaking storylinewiththecharacterHayleyCropper,a transgenderwoman,from1998to2014 Showslike "Cucumber"(2015)and"Banana"(2015),bothbyRussellT Davies,exploredcontemporaryLGBTQ+issueswith depthandsensitivity Thefilm"Pride"(2014)highlighted thehistoricalalliancebetweenLGBTQ+activistsand Welshminersduringthe1984miners'strike.
The2020shavesofarcontinuedthistrajectory,with showslike"It'saSin"(2021)providingapoignantlookat theimpactoftheHIV/AIDScrisisontheLGBTQ+ communityinthe1980s.Theseriesreceivedcritical acclaimforitsheartfeltstorytellingandhistorical accuracy Netflix’sHeartstopper,anadaptionofabook seriesaboutLGBTQ+youthnavigatingtheirfirst relationshipsandgrowinguphasbrokenstreaming recordsaroundtheworld
The2000sbroughtusBrianDowling,thefirstopenly gaychildren’sTVpresenterintheUKonITV’sSMTV Live.NadiabecamethefirstTransgenderhousemate towinaseriesofBigBrother(2004) while"Torchwood"(2006-2011)featurednumerous LGBTQ+charactersandscenestotheDoctorWho franchise R e p r e s e n t a t i o n M a t t e r s
Stallsinsidethe
Pride Activism
B & Q
BAT
Bella Craft
Beyond Reflections
Breakout Youth
Change, Grow, Live
Chrissy May Face Painting
Complete Fertility
Courtney Jo
Dogs Trust
Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Face 2 Face
Game Not Over GO! Southampton
Happy Queer
Identity+ Aesthetics
Immersive Dance Company
KayC Arts
2 0 2 4 S p o n s o r s
Love of Nature
National Education Union
Network Rail
Norfolk Micemakers
Purple Community Fund
SCC Fostering
Snow Moon Creations
Solent University
Sophie Kathleen
South Western Railway
Southwest LGBT+ Community
TFP Fertility
The Gay Glass Stall Toob
Tsuki Blade
University Hospital
Southampton
University of Southampton
Victim Support Hampshire
HeadlineSponsors
Wessex Wyverns
Winchester School of Art
Youth Outreach
Zooinverse
List accurate at time of printing, further additions may have been added since.
DiamondSponsor
63
countriescriminaliseprivate, consensual,same-sexsexual activity Themajorityofthese jurisdictionsexplicitlycriminalise sexbetweenmenvia‘sodomy’, ‘buggery’and‘unnaturaloffences’ laws Almosthalfofthemare Commonwealthjurisdictionswith lawsstillinplacefromBritish colonialrule
12
countrieshavejurisdictionsin whichthedeathpenaltyisimposed oratleastapossibilityforprivate, consensualsame-sexsexual activity Atleast6ofthese implementthedeathpenalty–Iran, NorthernNigeria,SaudiArabia, SomaliaandYemen–andthe deathpenaltyisalegalpossibilityin Afghanistan,Brunei,Mauritania, Pakistan,Qatar,UAEandUganda
TheWorld inNumbers
40
countriescriminaliseprivate, consensualsexualactivitybetween womenusinglawsagainst ‘lesbianism’,‘sexualrelationswitha personofthesamesex’and‘gross indecency’ Eveninjurisdictions thatdonotexplicitlycriminalise women,lesbiansandbisexual womenhavebeensubjectedto arrestorthreatofarrest
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countriescriminalisethegender identityand/orexpressionof transgenderpeople,usingso-called ‘cross-dressing’,‘impersonation’ and‘disguise’laws Inmanymore countriestransgenderpeopleare targetedbyarangeoflawsthat criminalisesame-sexactivityand vagrancy,hooliganismandpublic orderoffences.
V o l u n t e e r i n g w i t h S o u t h a m p t o n P r i d e
"The volunteers at Southampton Pride form the heart and soul of the event. Giving up their free time to support the community and come together to keep the event running like clock work. We could not run Southampton Pride without them, and they are a highly valued part of the team."
Matt Langrish-Beard Volunteering Manager
PrideProductions
PrideProductions,originallyknownasSouthamptonPrideProductions,wasfounded byourMarketing&ContentTeam in2018asacommunityinitiative.Thegoalwasto raphersandvideographerswiththe mforlarge-scaleevents an careers.Sinceitsinception,Pride nthusiastsunforgettable diesandcareerpaths In2024, nd,startingin2025,willbegintaking t nationwide.
“On behalf of our team, I want to congratulate our very own Benny Legarton and Sandy Honca for graduating this July from Arts University Bournemouth I am so proud of you, for both your fantastic academic achievements and your continued growth as amazing human beings since you joined our team back in 2021 ”
Sponsoredby
Jay, Content Director, Pride Productions
Sponsoredby
ByenteringtheSouthamptonPrideVillageandpartakingin the#SOProudMarchyouareprovidingconsenttobecaught onboththelivestreamcamerafeed,andsubsequentfilming andphotographyacrosstheweekend
Accessibility
Accessibility at Southampton Pride is very important to us. We’re committed to making our event accessible for everyone, and each year we listen to feedback and work to improve our provisions.
If you need any help or support with accessibility, please speak to one of our volunteers or contact us in advance at inclusion@southamptonpride.org.
The March
By Daniel Langrish-Beard
The March gathers in Queen’s Park, Orchard Place, SO14 3BR. This is a small park with paved walkways. Our March volunteers will be wearing pink hi-vis vests
In the park, we assemble the March into sections, including a quiet area at the end of the public section. There are many opportunities for everyone to help carry our large flags, protest signs, and informational banners. Our volunteers can direct you to different areas and welcome you to let them know if you would like to be involved.
Instructions and guidance will be provided by our volunteers (wearing pink hi-vis vests) and sometimes via megaphones. There may also be extra noise from music speakers and bands throughout the march.
The March route moves along the High Street, through the Bargate, and onto
&Inclusion
Above Bar Street, finishing at the Pride Village at Guildhall Square. The route is relatively flat, primarily on roads or paved areas, with dropped kerbs where crossing roads.
The March route is approximately 1 mile long and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. There is usually a pause at the Bargate for photos and to allow people to join the public section of the March from there if they prefer.
Water is not provided on the route, so please bring anything you might need However, open bottles will need to be emptied before entry into the main Pride event.
We will have volunteers marshalling along the entire March, so please speak to them if you need any assistance.
SiteDescription
Our Accessibility Stand is located just inside the Accessible Entrance on Commercial Road Our volunteer team, identifiable by their pink hi-vis vests, can provide Pride Guides, Sunflower Wristbands, site information, loans of sensory equipment, and assistance or guidance through our site if needed.
Southampton Pride Village is situated primarily on paved areas, with some small grass sections near the second stage Guildhall Square and West Marlands Road have level, paved access with sloped and
atSouthamptonPride
ramped areas leading down to the Civic Centre Car Park, where several stalls and food and drink vendors are located. Some paved areas may have slightly uneven slabs or small bumps.
space uildhall teward, ce and directions.
By Daniel Langrish-Beard
There are no doors or gates to navigate within the site or around the Pride Village, except for the portaloos. This year, the Market Village is returning to the Guildhall. An accessible ramped entrance is available to the right of the main entrance for those who need it
Viewing Platform
We have a viewing platform for wheelchair users and one companion, with chairs available Volunteers wearing pink hi-vis vests will be present at the viewing platform throughout the day to assist you
Accessible Performances
We will have a BSL interpreter on the main stage for all performances and speeches. Additionally, there will be a large screen with live feeds from the main stage, enhancing visibility of both the performances and BSL interpreters from the viewing platforms. For the first time, we will also provide BSL interpretation on our NEU Community Stage.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible portaloos are available at each toilet block, and a Mobiloo is located in within the Pride Square. The Mobiloo is a mobile accessible toilet equipped with an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist, and a friendly attendant available throughout the day.
We also have a sensory/chill-out area for young people, along with ear defenders for children and young people, available for loan at our Youth Outreach stall.
We will also have a small supply of ear defenders and other sensory items available for loan at our Accessibility Stall. This stall is located inside the site but away from the main stage and crowd areas, at the end of one of the main trader areas and next to the emergency vehicle entrance.
Directly opposite the Accessible Entrance is Watts Park, which offers areas to sit and shade provided by trees. You can leave and return to the Pride Village as often as you wish throughout the day.
Medical/WelfareNeeds
St. John Ambulance will have a medical/welfare tent on site, located directly opposite the Accessibility Stall next to the accessible entrance.
AssistanceDogs
Assistance dogs and pets are welcome at Southampton Pride. They must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after them and bring any food and water bowls they might need.
Please note that shade is limited on the site, and it can get very hot and crowded. Ensure any animals you bring are kept safe and comfortable.
Southampton Pride’s Youth Outreach Team bring you an area of pride dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth and theirfamilies
A safe space with LGBTQIA+ books available to read, comfortable bean bags to relax, fidget toys and sensory tools to use as needed (including some ear defenders) a chill-out area for games, and a space with arts and crafts suitable for toddlers right up to young adults, including making your own pronoun badges The space has been built to be a quieter, calmer but fun interactive area available for families and young people benefiting fromabreakfromthecrowds.
Volunteers from The Southampton Pride Youth Outreach Team will be there to answer any questions about theservicestheyprovide
PLEASENOTE: This is an unsupervised area and all children must have parents/carerswiththem Asitisasafe space, It is also requested that no alcohol be brought into this area, howeverallarewelcome
Youth
Outreach
Whatare Pronouns?
Pronouns are nouns that are used to refer to other people, like “he / him / his”, “she / her / hers”, “they / them / theirs” etc.
The sharing or display of pronouns in the workplace, or on social media profiles, has also became increasingly common. Pronouns are not indicative of a person’s sexual orientation, so naturally, not everyone who shares or displays their pronouns identify as LGBTQ+
The reason straight, cisgender people share or display their pronouns is simple: they want to show others that they will respect everyone’s pronouns; in other words, displaying their pronouns is a way to let others know (especially LGBTQ+ folks) that they will create a safe space for any LGBTQ+ folks around them
WhichoftheseflagscanyoufindaroundtheSouthamptonPridesite?
Ticktheonesyousee!