This year, the Isle of Wight hosted the annual UK Pride extravaganza, beating off competitors from cities and towns across the country.
DURING one of the hottest summers on record, organisers worked hard to transform the seaside town of Ryde, stage the huge Pride parade, create the biggest Pride flag ever and host a 15,000 strong party on the beach.
This high profile national event marked a sea change for the island, perceived by some to be stuck in the past. Indeed, two years ago, the island’s Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, was forced to resign his seat after commenting that homosexuality was wrong and dangerous to society.
Now, a BBC documentary has been made to tell the story of the Pride event and how attitudes are changing.
Characters young and old from local LGBT+ communities, share their experiences of growing up on the island.
Pride trustee Yve White says: “If you love someone, you love someone, and people should be able to accept that.”
Solent Productions (part of Solent University in Southampton) was commissioned by BBC South to make a film about UK Pride, giving a voice to islanders across the generations, to change hearts and minds. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, singer and gay icon Conchita and Police Inspector Scott Johnson also lent a hand.
Solent Productions have been combining the talents of staff, graduates and students since 2007, to create media for clients including Glastonbury and Bestival.
Producer Tony Steyger adds: “This project was important to put the record straight about how the island, my home, has become a far more tolerant place, largely through the efforts of ordinary people. If that transformation can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
The package will be broadcast on BBC – Inside Out on Monday, September 17 @ 7.30pm.
