LonGBoaT Community Pride 2025
Pride celebrates the significant progress made in advancing LGBT+ rights in the UK, from the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967 to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014. These milestones represent crucial victories for equality, and Pride events honor both these achievements and the activists who fought for them, inspiring ongoing advocacy for LGBT+ rights.
As we aim to build on the success of our previous events, we will be looking for a new venue in 2025. This decision comes in response to health and safety, licensing, and policing concerns at our long-standing venue, the New Union Pub on Almsgate, Wakefield.
Despite these legal advancements, LGBT+ individuals continue to face discrimination and violence, with a notable increase in hate, particularly against transgender people. The rise in transphobia, fueled by certain media narratives and political discussions, has led to greater hostility and marginalization of transgender individuals. Pride events bring attention to these issues, promoting awareness and advocating for protective measures and societal change.
Visibility is vital for challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance. Pride events highlight the diversity within the LGBT+ community, normalising LGBT+ identities and encouraging a more inclusive society. Visibility combats ignorance and prejudice, allowing LGBT+ individuals to live openly and authentically.
Pride in the UK also serves as a source of hope and solidarity for LGBT+ individuals globally, especially in countries with harsh restrictions. In places like Saudi Arabia and Iran, being LGBT+ can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment or worse. The UK's Pride celebrations stand in solidarity with these communities, advocating for universal human rights and demonstrating the potential for a more accepting society.
LGBT+ Pride in the UK in 2025 is vital for celebrating achievements, addressing ongoing discrimination, and promoting visibility and acceptance. It also shows solidarity with global LGBT+ communities, advocating for universal rights. Amid increasing transphobia, Pride remains an essential for fostering understanding, advocating for change, and supporting the mental well-being of LGBT+ individuals.
LonGBoaT Community Pride 2024
LonGBoaT Sponsors Pride @ the Union 2024
Sunday 11th August 2024
The New Union, Almsgate, Wakefield, WF1 1UZ
Unfortunately, as some may know, the LonGBoaT Wakefield Community Pride event has been forced to cancel our main event stage once again.
This disappointing news follows a similar 2023 refusal; after 18 brilliant years supporting Wakefield's only LGBT+ venue and the whole community.
Wakefield Council and other relevant bodies (through the Safety Advisory Group), have made several requests over the last six months. All of which LonGBoaT have met to ensure a safe event for our team and all attendees.
However, representatives of West Yorkshire Police have deemed the site unsafe, in the event of a serious incident (the example given was a bomb threat) at The Ridings Shopping Center, and it's a ability to evacuate the very high numbers of visitors it attracts on Sundays.
LonGBoaT are proud of all the work our team of volunteers have put in to this year's pride celebrations.
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The LonGBoaT Wakefield Charity stall and food will be available through the day too!
🎙Hosting the Event will be:
1200 - 1400 Madame Nikoal & Ophelia Later,
1400 - 1800 Dame Ida, and
1700 - 2100 Ariel 51.
Madame Nikoal and Ophelia Later are a brilliant Mother & Daughter Drag Combo!
Dame Ida's been travelling the UK with her show. Every night has been a sell out: from working men's clubs, ladies nights to theaters and huge bingo halls!
Ariel 51 was crowned Dragtastic Winner 2024 at Manchester's Bar Pop and can often be found gracing the stage at the New Union Wakefield with the Union Collective.
1400 - 1530 Blackbird
Back again for 2024 by popular demand Blackbird will again put on a hell of a show with their upbeat pop punk / punk rock. Covering Blink 182 Green Day and many more.
1600 - 1630 GenErika
The Alternative Queen of Positivity. Bringing her sense of self love, care & expression along with over 12 years of professional performance, this queen is ready to bring on the feel good vibes.
1630 - 1715 ABBA Vinyl
A brand new show featuring all the Swedish supergroup hits you would need by Lisa Jane Kelsey and Cat Diva
1730 - 1800 Pop Tart
Back for another year. Leeds based Singer, Queen and Clown will being the house down with a fantastic live solo performance. Part of The Union Collective and House of Hex.
1800 - 1830 Kama Violet
LonGBoaT Wakefield 2024 Virgin Drag Winner takes to the stage!
1830 - 1900 Ian Howarth
The Well established on the pub and club scene, the founding member of Black Lace is back with an explosion of music and talent; and he was born in Wakefield!
1900 - 1930 Trix
A Rock Singer who will blow your socks off with her power ballads and anthems!
📌 New Union: 2 Almsgate Wakefield, WF1 1UZ
🕑 12 noon to 9pm
📆 11th August 2024
Why do we have a Pride in 2024?
LonGBoaT Community Pride 2023
