LonGBoaT Community Pride Fringe 2025
Join Us for the 2025 Wakefield Community Pride Fringe!
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LonGBoaT Wakefield invites you to be part of something exciting: the 2025 Community Pride Fringe in Wakefield! Our first steering group meeting will be held online via MS Teams on 15 April 2025, from 1 PM to 2 PM.
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Pride is about more than just an afternoon in the pub. This year, on 10 August 2025 (the second Sunday of August, as usual), we're doing things differently. The Community Pride Fringe aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse series of events and activities throughout Wakefield city centre, ensuring that Pride is accessible to all. Here are some of the exciting plans we have:
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Pride Breakfast – A warm and welcoming start to the day.
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Family Arts & Crafts – Fun, engaging activities for people of all ages.
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Pride Lunch – A chance for the community to connect over a meal.
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Open Mic Session – A platform to showcase local voices and talents.
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Queer Talks – Thought-provoking talks throughout the day on a range of topics.
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Closing Party – An alternative way to celebrate Pride with energy and flair!
We’re looking to collaborate with LGBT+ organisations, businesses, arts organisations, and other supportive groups across Wakefield and West Yorkshire to help plan, fundraise, organise, and run these events. Whether you're a community group, business, arts collective, or activist group, we’d love for you to get involved.
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We’d be delighted to have you join us!
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Initially, we’re focusing on city centre venues like the LonGBoaT Hub @ Wakefield Kirkgate, Our House Café, and the Wakefield Centre. However, we plan to expand the event across the district in future years. If you're not based in the city centre but are planning related events, please do get in touch – we can still include them in the programme for the day.
Interested? Let’s make the Community Pride Fringe something truly special together!
To be added to the meeting invite list, simply email us at events@longboatwakefield.org or get in touch with your usual Trustee contact.
Why Does LGBT+ Pride Matter in 2025?
Pride is a celebration of the significant progress made in advancing LGBT+ rights in the UK. From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 to the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014, these milestones reflect crucial victories for equality. Pride events honour these achievements and the activists who fought for them, inspiring ongoing advocacy for LGBT+ rights.
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However, despite these legal advances, LGBT+ individuals still face discrimination and violence, with a notable rise in hate, particularly against transgender people. Transphobia has been amplified by certain media narratives and political discourse, leading to increased hostility and marginalisation of transgender individuals. Pride events shine a light on these issues, raising awareness and advocating for protection and change.
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Visibility is key in challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance. Pride helps normalise LGBT+ identities, promotes a more inclusive society, and combats ignorance and prejudice. These events allow LGBT+ individuals to live openly and authentically, contributing to a more understanding world.
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Pride in the UK also stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity for LGBT+ people around the world, especially in regions where being LGBT+ is still criminalised or met with severe consequences. In places like Saudi Arabia and Iran, LGBT+ individuals face imprisonment, torture, or even execution. UK Pride celebrations show our commitment to global human rights and stand in solidarity with these communities, advocating for change and acceptance.
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In 2025, Pride remains vital not only to celebrate past achievements but also to address ongoing challenges. It’s essential for fostering understanding, supporting LGBT+ mental health, and advocating for societal transformation. Pride is more than just a celebration; it is a movement for equality, visibility, and solidarity!