THEGAYUK

Tag: Channel Islands News

Get the latest LGBT+ Channel Islands News from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Channel Islands.

  • Channel Islands pride 2023 is happening this weekend

    Channel Islands pride 2023 is happening this weekend

    Pride is happening this weekend on the Channel Islands, more accurately it’s happening on Jersey this year.

    According to The Pride Shop, Jersey will be hosting the 2023 Channel Islands pride with Guernsey taking the reigns for 2024.

    The first Channel Islands Pride was held in 2015. It took place in St. Helier, the capital of Jersey. Since then, it has become an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and promoting equality and diversity.

    Where are the Channel Islands?

    The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, between the coast of Normandy, France, and the southern coast of England. They consist of two main islands, Jersey and Guernsey, as well as several smaller islands. The Channel Islands have a rich history and unique cultural identity.

    In addition to these, there are several smaller islands that make up the Channel Islands. Some of the smaller islands include Alderney, Sark, Herm, and Jethou.

    Who’s headlining Channel Island’s Pride 2023?

    The Main Stage line-up for Channel Islands Pride 2023 has been unveiled, promising a fantastic array of talent. British band Five, known for their hits like “Keep on Movin’” and “Got the Feelin’”, will headline the event at People’s Park in St Helier. Joining them on stage will be a lineup of drag acts and Eurovision semi-finalists, including Tomara Thomas, Mercedes Bends, Paige Three, Flesh, and Miss Leigh Ding.

    Christian May, the director, expressed excitement about the exceptional musical and drag talent that will embody the spirit of Pride. He eagerly awaits the participation of everyone in the People’s Park to be a part of this extraordinary celebration. Five, a band that originated in the late 90s and now consists of Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, and Sean Conlon, will entertain the crowd with their energetic performances.

    Ellie Prohan, from Kiss FM and Kiss Fresh, will be the headline DJ for the event. Described as an advocate for women, intersectionality, and marginalized communities, Prohan is expected to bring an electrifying atmosphere to the Pride festivities.

    What else is happening at Channel Island’s Pride?

    The Pride Village will feature various zones, including a Family Zone, Community and Wellbeing Zones, Bars and Food Village, as well as an area dedicated to our furry friends. Additionally, the Jersey Electricity Main Stage, hosted by Dr Adam Perchard, the Cabaret Stage, and the Silent Disco will showcase talented local singers, bands, and performers such as Sister Disco and Shea.

    Mr May expressed his gratitude to sponsors such as Jersey Electricity and the Government of Jersey for their support in making Channel Islands Pride the largest free public event in Jersey. The festivities will begin in the Royal Square at 13:00 BST on 16 September, with celebrations continuing in People’s Park and Victoria Park from 14:00 to 22:00. The event promises to be a truly special occasion that celebrates diversity, equality, and the LGBTQ+ community.

  • INTERVIEW: Jersey Gets Its Own Pride, We Speak With Its Chair, Christian May

    Jersey’s Pride, which is to happen on the 12th September has a very dedicated Committee of twelve individuals (from across the LGBTQ spectrum) who are organising Pride, whilst still doing their day jobs!

    What led to you wanting to get the first Pride going?

    The idea for Pride, and the origins of Liberate in Jersey, grew organically out of a public march that took place in July 2014; when the members of our parliament (the States of Jersey) had refused to approve equal marriage legislation in Jersey (wanting more information first). The response to this was a powerful and positive public demonstration, when Islanders came together to give a message to the States that they supported LGBTQ rights and that they wanted equal marriage in the Island. The atmosphere that day was electric and hopeful; something we want to replicate in Pride.

     

    Is there a big LGBT community? And how is the acceptance of LGBT issues on the Islands?

    There was a strong (and reasonably large) LGBTQ community on the Island approximately 10 years ago, but this dissipated when the Island’s only gay nightclub, the Cosmopolitan, closed its doors.

    Since Liberate came into existence we have held regular social nights to bring the community back together, and these have been going from strength to strength. LGBTQ individuals don’t suffer much harassment or active discrimination on the Island, but at the same time sexuality is an issue not much discussed publicly.

    We want to ensure LGBTQ Islanders do not feel that they have to hide their sexuality in order to “fit-in” in work or social situations; that requires ongoing education and support.

     

    Are you hoping to get the council and authorities to back the pride, have you had any talks with them so far?

    We have delighted by the level of support for pride from the Government and the Parish (our town authority), as well as from local businesses, who are providing seed funding to get Pride up and running.

    There is a great desire to build Jersey’s tourism industry in the coming years with Event-led tourism, and we hope that Pride could become a central and ongoing feature of this plan!

     

    How many people are currently working towards putting the pride event on?

    We have a very dedicated Committee of twelve individuals (from across the LGBTQ spectrum) who are organising Pride, whilst still doing their day jobs!

    We are a very close group who luckily get on very well socially as well as when delegating tasks (you often need a drink after, or with, committee meetings). We are also being provided with plenty of offers of volunteer help – which will be essential to ensure the smooth running of Pride on 12 September.

  • Channel Island Gay Pride Starts Fundraising

    An organisation called Liberate Jersey has started a fundraising campaign to start a gay pride event in September.

    The crowdfunder is looking to raise £2500 to help launch the very first LGBT+ Pride, because the organisers state, “it’s long overdue”.

    Homosexuality has been legal in Jersey since 1990 and same-sex couple has been able to get civilly partnered since 2012, however same-sex marriage is still illegal.

    TheGayUK reached out to Liberate for comment.