One week after Pride in Brighton & Hove announced a projected £50,000 deficit, direct donations from LGBT community supporters have already accumulated over a £1,000.

“We are immensely encouraged by the way that the LGBT community has responded to the news that Pride may have to be scaled back next year, unless we can raise sufficient funds to plug this year’s likely deficit,” said Yvonne Barker, Chair of Pride in Brighton and Hove.

The announcement of Pride’s financial difficulties has also provoked debate in the LGBT community (as the extended letters’ pages of GScene’s September issue will reflect) about the purpose of Pride and whether the main park event should remain free.

“We have been closely following the debates on the Internet and the blogosphere and hope that those who have been contributing their ideas and views will attend the feedback event we will be holding on October 6, at a venue to be announced shortly,” said Ms Barker.

“We want to listen to as many views as possible to ensure that Pride meets the expectations of the community it serves – it is vital that we do.”

Ms Barker also went on to announce that Pride is to mount its own fundraising event later this year. She said that details of this would be released shortly.
“I am optimistic that we will bridge the gap in our finances,” concluded Barker, “but, whatever happens, Pride is determined to use this opportunity to have a fundamental review of its operation.”

Those wishing to donate to Pride can do so via its website:
www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate/ and can keep up with latest developments via Pride’s Official Facebook site.