Photo zizzybaloobah CC-BY-NC.
It’s just over 2 weeks until Birmingham Pride, a public celebration of LGBT culture in our city.
It’s a chance to celebrate all the great things people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities bring to our community, and to to stand up for equality. The theme for 2017 is Love & Pride, marking the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of gay relationships in England & Wales.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Amnesty International are taking part in the parade to highlight the fact that ‘love is a human right’. Amnesty are inviting you to join them to show support for LGBT people suffering human rights abuses across the world (including the terrible recent events in Chechnya) and encourage people to take action. Meet in Victoria Square from 10:30am on Saturday 27th May to take part: the parade itself will start at 12pm and last about an hour.
After the parade, the main Pride event takes place throughout Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th May and is ticketed. If you are buying a wristband and taking part, there is lots of music and entertainment, as well as some community stalls: say hello to Amnesty, and also to our Quaker police chaplain.
The Birmingham LGBT Centre is running a series of free events outside of the ticketed area, including music, film and comedy. If you’d like a more relaxed, community-focussed way to join in with Pride, then check out their events throughout the weekend.