Pride and joy
What’s new at next year’s event
THERE was a big change for this year’s Newcastle Pride with a new location and the main stage housed under a huge marquee for the first time and there’s more changes for 2019.
Events-based charity Northern Pride unveiled a new brand and identity on Monday at a launch event at the Crowne Plaza, in Newcastle, with the organisation also sporting a new icon and logo.
Organisers explained that when looking for a new identity, they were inspired by the Angel of The North.
And they received a boost when Sir Anthony Gormley, the designer of this iconic North East monument, gave his blessing and full support to Northern Pride’s interpretation of the famous landmark.
Kicking of the presentation was an incredibly impactful video which is also being used for the charity’s bid to become the host city for UK Pride for 2019.
The video, and the bid, has been strongly supported by Newcastle City Council and its leader, Councillor Nick Forbes, who features to discuss the progressive changes the LGBT community – and the city as a whole – has seen over his time in office. Three key principles that have been defined are clear and measurable. The first is to ‘protect LGBT+ rights already won and champion these whilst supporting the equality indifferences that remain at home and abroad.’
The second is to ‘promote a healthy body and mind through access to support and education for the community and straight allies.’
Finally, ‘provide a series of LGBT+ events including our annual festival to bring communities closer together and celebrate our diversity.’ Sharing the new principles is the new chair of Northern Pride, Ste Dunn. “As a not-forprofit charity, the team and I understand the importance of having a clear vision and direction that the community and our sponsors can support in whichever way they can, we believe that these principles will do this”.
He added: “I’m incredibly excited to
The community has come a long way, but we have some more work to do and Northern Pride have a part to play
A NEW BRAND AND IDENTITY ARE IN STORE FOR NEXT YEAR’S NEWCASTLE PRIDE AS SIMON DUKE FINDS OUT
be leading the team as we build on the success achieved throughout the past 11 years the charity has been going.
“In 2019 we’ll stage a series of events to remember the Stonewall Riots which took place 50 years next June. The community has come a long way, but we have some more work to do and Northern Pride have a part to play”.
The team also announced three new campaigns they will be working on across next year.
Working alongside long-time pride supporters Newcastle City Council as they host the European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup in May, Northern Pride will launch their Pride in Sports campaign which will build on their involvement in LGBT-accessible sports, making sure the community have safe spaces to take part in team events without prejudice towards sexuality or gender identity.
Building on the success, Northern Pride has seen working with Steve Haigh at Whickham School in Gateshead, the charity is launching a new Pride in Schools Award.
This is an opportunity to reward and recognise schools in the region for the work they’ve done in education, behaviours and support to help LGBT youth, in and out of school.
Finally the Trans Generations campaign is a poignant reminder that more work is still needed in the community as today also marks a government extension to the Gender Recognition Act consultation deadline which passed earlier this week.
Northern Pride has shown its dedication today to continue its support to the Trans community and this will reach further into the care sector for elderly Trans people.
Newcastle Pride 2019 will take place between July 19 and 21, with further details yet to be released. Platinum tickets for the event are already on sale from the Northern Pride website.