Pride Inside: LonGBoaT at HMP Wakefield Pride

On 19th June 2025, LonGBoaT Wakefield had the honour of taking part in HMP Wakefield’s first Prisoner Pride event. This vibrant and inclusive celebration held at the Visitors Centre was attended by 25 prisoners, prison staff, LonGBoaT Wakefield, and BHA.

We were invited by staff from the prison service to deliver sessions on queer and transgender experiences, and to help create a meaningful Pride event for those inside. It was a powerful day of education, creativity, visibility and celebration which we are proud to have been part of it.

✊ What We Delivered:

As guest speakers, the LonGBoaT team presented on our charity’s ethos, LGBTQ+ inclusion, terminology, and the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ people within the criminal justice system. We closed with statistics from the 2023–24 HMPPS Offender Equalities Report, such as:

• 📊 There were 295 transgender prisoners in the prison estate

• 📍 83% of transgender prisoners are housed in the male estate, 17% are housed in the female estate

• 🧾 Only 10 transgender prisoners had a Gender Recognition Certificate

• 🌍 11% of transgender prisoners were from an ethnic minority background

In addition to our presentation, BHA also delivered a session focused on sexual health, providing vital information in a respectful and supportive environment. We distributed various information leaflets about sexual health and Pride bookmarks, which some of the attendees took back to give to prisoners that didn't feel comfortable attending the event in person.

🎨 Creative Connections:

A real highlight of the day was the “Creation Station”, where attendees were encouraged to explore what LGBTQ+ meant to them through artwork or writing. The results were deeply personal and powerful and will be showcased at our Pride Fringe event in August, bringing their voices beyond the walls and into the wider community.

🎶 Entertainment & Atmosphere:

The prison band brought the energy with live music, creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere. The space was open, friendly and full of positive conversations with everyone engaging in an open and respectful dialogue.

🍉 Food & Hospitality:

The event was rounded off with a delicious and colourful spread of refreshments, including rainbow fruit platters, dips, drinks, cookies, and a huge Pride cake. One prisoner shared he hadn’t eaten fresh peppers with humous in seven years, highlighting how even the small details made a huge impact.

💬 Feedback & Future Connections:

The event was a clear success, as prisoners and staff alike praised the inclusive and empowering tone. It created space for self-expression, learning, and belonging. We’re especially pleased that the connection has continued, as staff from HMP Wakefield will be participating in our Queer Talks event on 10th August as part of our Community Pride Fringe event - so make sure you're there to find out more!

Pride belongs in every part of society, including our prisons. Thank you to everyone at HMP Wakefield for having us and we look forward to supporting the prison with future events.