Gay Pride in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Gay Pride Puts the “T” Back Into LGBT

All too often the “T” in LGBT is forgotten these days – but not in Gloucestershire!

Two transgender people were among the three officers elected to the Gloucestershire Pride organising committee at a special general meeting last month.

They are Paula (chairperson) and Billie (treasurer) and are joined by Peter (secretary). Together, they head a group of eight who are planning the event.

Plans are at an advanced stage for this year’s Gloucestershire Pride, to be held in Gloucester on Saturday August 9.

“We have a full line-up of acts for the main stage during the afternoon,” said Paula, who is running the entertainment.  “Already announced are Swindon Pride Idol winner Stevie Maull and Gloucestershire-based Bridget and the Big Girls Blues.  Further acts will be announced in the coming weeks when confirmations have been received.”

The afternoon is compered by Miss Trixie.

Police have approved the route for the lunchtime march, which assembles outside the Shire Hall in Westgate Street and goes via the Cross, Southgate Street, Commercial Road and Severn Road to Llanthony Priory where the free afternoon events take place.

“We will be having the usual range of stalls – both commercial and community groups – more than 20 have booked so far,” said Tony, who is coordinating the facilities on offer for the day at Llanthony Priory.  “For the first time, the Pride will feature a couple of fairground attractions.”

Tony praised the Gloucester City Council for its support.  “Again, the council is doing us proud, with both  financial help and an enormous amount of expertise in event management.”

Also supporting the Pride are Gloucestershire Country Council, the police, and the country’s premier gay and lesbian night club, Exs in Cheltenham.

Last year, most events at Gloucestershire Pride had to be cancelled in the aftermath of the floods.

“Yes, I think we might have lost some impetus after our event two years ago,” Tony admitted.  “But we were always determined to make up for last year’s disappointment with a better-than-ever event this year.”