Forest Gayte Pride started in 2017 in response to a need for safe and inclusive spaces.
Since our inception in 2017, Forest Gayte Pride has grown from a single market stall and a queer night in a local pub to an organised community interest company.
As a committee, we work alongside allies and volunteers within our community on events and functions to promote and engage in educational, cultural, and civic activities to enrich the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in Newham and beyond.
Our primary aim is to give a voice to LGBTQIA+ residents of Newham through events and education; creating a platform for the queer community to speak out and express themselves in a safe, inclusive space, during pride and beyond. We work to create a safe and welcoming environment within the community for those at risk, in particular the marginalised members of Newham, offering help, advice, and support to those who need it, as well as educating and engaging with the allies who want to stand by the LGBTQIA+ community.
At Forest Gayte Pride, our priority is not a big party, or a parade…
While we include both things in our pride events to celebrate and share the queer culture that society so often denies us, the priority for us is having the ability to educate our local community on the very real issues queer people face.
Our Pride event is centred around our information hub: a marketplace area where charities, organisations and activist groups can come and share advice and information and can interact with allies and members of the local community who would not otherwise have access to this education.
The importance of the access to conversation and interaction on such a personal level is key to breaking down barriers between the queer communities and our straight allies.
Forest Gayte Pride CIC is run by Caron Harrison, myself and a myriad of amazing volunteers. Here's an overview of the weekend's itinerary:
Friday 24th June
The Gate Library, 7pm-9.30pm: Gala Evening featuring guest speakers, poets and music.
Saturday 25th June
Woodgrange Market, 10am-4pm: LGBTQI+ charities and organisations, meet and greet, speakers, musics and DJs.
The Forest Tavern, 5pm-Late: Drag Acts, Cabaret and DJs.
Forest Gayte Community Garden: All day quiet space.
Clapton CFC Football Club LGBTQ+ Men's match.
Sunday 26th June
Tracks, 10am-10pm: Post-Pride Party Brunch, Lunch and Pumping Iron DJs.
Clapton CFC Football Club LGBTQ+ Women's match.
So show solidarity and support!
Check out the Forest Gayte Pride website here and for further info follow @forestgaytepride
