In a gesture of support and solidarity for the local LGBT community, Totnes Town Council will raise the rainbow flag over Totnes Civic Hall during Totnes Pride week.
The flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, August 31 2015 at 6.30pm and everyone is invited to attend.
Totnes Mayor, Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, who will open the event said: “Raising the flag to celebrate diversity highlights the diversity in our community in Totnes. As Mayor I am really proud of the wide mix of people in this wonderful town and delighted that we have come together to celebrate the LGBT community and the Proud2Be group who work hard to raise awareness of LGBT issues.”
Now in its third year, Totnes Pride is one of the UK’s largest rural pride events.
The celebrations will culminate on Saturday, September 5 with a number of events organised by local based LGBT+ charity Proud2Be Project, including appearances from special guests CN Lester and Jacq Applebee.
CN Lester is a singer-songwriter, writer, classical musician and activist who was named one of the most influential LGBT+ people in the country two years running by The Independent newspaper.
CN said: “There’s a dangerous myth that LGBT people only exist in large cities, in gay districts – that we’re not a normal part of everyday life. The best Prides I’ve ever attended have been smaller Prides around the country that celebrate and support all members of the LGBT community, showing us in all our complexity, including us in the fabric of our wider communities. I’m absolutely thrilled to have been asked to participate in Totnes Pride – here’s to breaking down barriers and stereotypes together.”
Jacq Applebee is an activist and writer, and the Co-founder of Bi’s of Colour. She was included in the first ever Purple List, which honours bisexual activism.
Jacq said: “I am a firm believer (in) the importance of reaching LGBT people who are isolated, including those in rural areas. In the first bisexuals of colour survey and report, which I produced, isolation was one of the regular themes that resulted in participants not feeling part of their LGBT communities. Totnes Pride will be my first Devon LGBT event, but hope it won’t be my last!”
The day kicks off at 11am outside The Dartmouth Inn, with opening speeches from CN Lester and Proud2Be founders Mat and Jon Price, who together with the award winning Samba ROC Band and an 8ft willow peacock will lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to Totnes Civic Hall.
Community bus service Bob the Bus will be running a park and ride service from 10am and will also offer transport for those with mobility issues.
Visitors can then enjoy community art projects, workshops and talks and a variety of community stands at the Civic Centre from midday.
The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party from 7.30pm at The Royal Seven Stars Ballroom, featuring live music from popular Disco Funk band Golddust, Rococo Chanel, and DJ sets from Madame Souza and Rhi Rhi Rhythm.
Entry to the daytime events is just £2 for adults, £1 for 11-18 year olds, and is free to those under 11.
Tickets to the After Party are £10.00 (18 and over only) and are available to purchase in advance from Proud2B and on the door.
Proud2Be are looking for volunteers to help out on the day. If you would like to get involved then please email Julie & Dot at volunteer@proud2beproject.org
If you are an organisation or community group and would like to participate in the procession, click here:
Or email: info@proud2beproject.org
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