UK’s first Silver Pride launches to celebrate older LGBTQ+ community

The UK’s first Silver Pride will take place this summer to celebrate older people in the LGBTQ+ community and help tackle loneliness and isolation – with famous faces already signed up to take part, including TV’s Christopher Biggins.

The virtual event will take place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, and feature drag make-up, mental health masterclasses, live DJ sets and performances from choirs, musicians, dancers and storytellers.

Money raised will help event organiser Friends of Dorothy – a social enterprise with groups in Leeds and Manchester – provide valuable lifelines for the older LGBTQ+ community.

Craig Burton, organiser and Friends of Dorothy founder, said: ‘Older LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to be living alone, and six times more likely to suffer from mental health issues, often related to loneliness and isolation. We strongly believe inter-generational friendships and events like Silver Pride are vital to help tackle these problems.

‘Lockdown has exacerbated the issues of isolation and loneliness, but we’re determined to make sure the older generations have a reason to celebrate and socialise online.

‘This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the first ever Pride march in the USA, and it’s important we remember the sacrifices the older LGBTq+ community made for us. They took to the streets to campaign and fight for our rights, and paved the way to enjoy life as we do today. Hosting an online celebration for them is the least we can do.

‘Silver Pride is all about championing inclusion, and celebrating and connecting with our older communities. It will be a celebration of LGBTQ+ history, our freedom of expression and recognition of the battles the older community faced for us – and the battles they continue to face.’

Organisers are keen to hear from any performers interested in getting involved and sharing their talent as part of the celebrations.

Craig added: ‘Whether it’s theatre, literature, live music, comedy, dance, wellbeing classes, or simply sharing your life stories, we’d love to hear from anyone who’s keen to get involved.’

Tickets will be available from Monday, July 6. Money raised will go to the Friends of Dorothy charity to help continue its outreach with older people, combatting loneliness and isolation.

For tickets, more info, or to get in touch about performing, visit the Silver Pride website.  

For more info on Friends of Dorothy, follow them on Twitter @friends_dorothy.