In previous years, Oxford Pride has supported a local charity with a donation given at their AGM.
This year, they have decided to expand their support of LGBT causes, focusing not only locally, but also nationally, and internationally.
Oxford Pride’s theme this year is ‘Not There Yet’ and the charities they have chosen to support all fit with this theme. Whilst the LGBT community may enjoy a lot of freedom and rights in the UK, there are a large number of countries around the world where this is not the case. By expanding support to charities who work internationally to support LGBT people in countries where they face criminal conviction, and harsh punishment, Oxford Pride hopes to raise awareness of the issues still faced by the wider LGBT community.
Dave Legg, chair of Oxford Pride, said:
“I am very pleased that Pride is supporting three very valuable and worthwhile causes this year, all of which fit well with our theme and aims.”
Locally, Oxford Pride will be supporting Oxford Friend, a free and completely confidential information, support and counselling service for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. Oxford Friend has been running continuously since 1980 and help individuals with things that may be worrying them or that they just want to talk through. People for many different reasons. They may be unsure of, or worried about, their sexuality. They may be having problems at work, or they may be having difficulties in their relationships with friends, family or partners.
Nationally, the Committee have selected a charity which does very valuable work supporting young LGBT people who are made homeless, or live in a hostile environment. Whether they are experiencing domestic violence, or have been kicked out of their home for coming out to their family, the Albert Kennedy Trust works to support them. The Trust’s mission is to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment.
Internationally, Oxford Pride have chosen an organisation founded by one of their Patrons, Peter Tatchell. His Foundation seeks to promote and protect the human rights of individuals, communities and nations, in the UK and internationally, in accordance with established national and international human rights law. Oxford Pride were lucky enough to host Peter Tatchell on their stage at Oxford Pride 2012, and are pleased to be able to support his foundation over this coming year.
Oxford Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Oxfordshire. Events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.
Oxford Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Oxfordshire. Events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.
Oxford Pride 2013 will be taking place from May 31 to June 9, with the field event on Saturday, June 8.
For more information view:
www.oxford-pride.org.uk