Organisers of Isle of Wight Pride release details of how to get involved in their Pride Parade, due to take place on Saturday, July 15.
The Parade will start at 11am from Ryde School, weave its way down West street, across Lind street and down Union street, finally passing along the Esplanade until it reaches Eastern Gardens and the main Pride Arena on Harbour Beach.
A large number of groups are already registered to take part in the parade and a number of workshops have already been held to create fantastic art pieces to be held, creating an Island feel to the event.
Various National groups including Transgender groups, Outdoor Lads, UKBlackPride and Amnesty International have already indicated a willingness to take part in the Parade and everybody is welcome to go along and be a part of this historic event for the Island and the Islanders.
The parade has become a popular vehicle for showcasing LGBT+ pride. An unabashed celebration, the parade is a living, breathing manifestation of the out-and-proud mantra, putting the LGBT+ communities on full display.
However, the history of the parade comes from less celebratory roots, tied more to political activism and protests. Born out of necessity, it is a reaction to commemorate one of the most important events in gay rights history.
On June 28, 1969, a riot broke out at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in downtown Manhattan. Police had been known to raid the club from time to time, but on that night, the patrons fought back. A protest broke out, with police and community members clashing through the night, and for the rest of the week.
That was 45 years ago, and it was the spark that ignited the beginning of the gay rights movement, which has snowballed into a much larger movement for the entire LGBT+ communities across the world.
The New Carnival Company which organises the fantastic Ryde Mardi Gras event each year are offering Free Flag making workshops ready for the parade.
These workshops are being run on every Wednesday evening from 6pm up until Wednesday, July 5 at the Coaching House in Ryde.
Alison from the New Carnival Company, said: “The New Carnival Company is delighted to be supporting the first Pride event in Ryde and is looking forward to taking part on the day. Anyone wanting to get involved in the flags project, contact us directly on 01983 716095.”
Zoe Thompson, organiser of the Parade, said: “The whole day allows us to remember those who continue to fight for equality and support those within LGBT+. Locally this is a significant time for the Island, and will truly show that Love Wins. To have people of all ages, from all backgrounds, parade, march sing and dance their way through the town will be the perfect start to what will be a fantastic day. Anyone can apply to join in through the website, or simply be there to watch and cheer everyone on.”
For full details of the Parade and Isle of Wight Pride events, click here:
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