Celebrating Yeovil’s LGBT+ Community – for the first time.
To coincide with fifty years since the Stonewall Uprisings in New York City, as well as a direct response to local politicians’ anti-LGTB+ statements, I felt it was time that Yeovil had its own Pride.
After putting out a call on social media and networking with community leaders in Somerset, I held a meeting to form a non-profit organisation to put on Yeovil’s first Pride. We elected a committee, and I was fortunate to be elected as Chair.
“Some might believe that equality has been achieved with regard to LGBT+ rights, but as homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crimes increase and politicians express anti-LGBT+ opinions, it’s crucial that towns like Yeovil stand up and proudly mark their diversity.”
We formally elected a board, and three weeks later we held a march through the centre of town. Our initial expectations for attendance – we’d thought around 50 people might show up, and were blown away when over 200 people gathered to take part.
Another key element was to be ambitious with our fundraising too, so I set the task of raising £1,000 in order for our Pride to go ahead. I’m pleased that we were able to raise £1,035 via a community Crowdfunder.
Key Points:
Put on Yeovil’s first ever LGBT+ Pride, bringing together the community for the first time.
Raised over £1,000 via a Crowdfunder to cover Yeovil Pride’s operational costs.
Marched through Yeovil with over 200 members of the local LGBT+ community and allies.
This page was last updated on 30 August 2021.