A week full of activities to celebrate Oxford Pride will commence from today as Oxford gears up for its 11th Pride
A fantastic turn out at Oxford Pride’s launch party last night means that the festivities are well underway for what is hoped will be the best Oxford Pride ever.
There are activities all week in Oxford leading up to the main Parade and Pride event this forthcoming weekend.
Here’s some of what’s coming up:
Saturday 1st June
14:00-16:00 Queer Oxford: Walk on the Wilde Side
Meeting at Magdalen Bridge. How well do you know the LGBT past in Oxford? Join a casual stroll around Oxford as we explore 600 years in this ‘City of Romance’.
Sunday 2nd June
12:00-16:00 Rainbow Families LGBT Picnic
At Bury Knowle Park Headington – Enjoy an afternoon of fun & games for LGBT families of all shapes & sizes! Look for the rainbow flags.
17:00-18:00 Pride Dog Show
At The Jolly Farmers, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Prizes for Best Trick, Look-a-like, Cutest, Butchest, and more! Donations to Pride.
19:30-21:00 First Sunday: Labyrinth and Communion
At St Columba’s United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH A modern take on an ancient meditation practice. A spiritual journey into our self, toward the pine, and back out to the modern world.
Monday 3rd June
06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride
At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.
08:00-16:00 Be Beautifully Strong
Consultation, Gym Induction & Takeaway Program for Women: Leave your boring workouts behind you … come and be inspired! Bookings essential for your £10 session
19:00-21:00 The Oxford LGBT Book Club
Meeting at The Chequers, High Street OX1 4DH – Reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
20:30-23:00 The Pride Quiz
At The Jolly Farmers OX1 1LD – A fun night with Cash Prizes – Groups of 2-6 people, £2 per person – Free Buffet
Tuesday 4th June
20:00-21:30 Lesbian History Group: The notorious Eliza Robertson
At The Castle Tavern (Downstairs). Talk on how an 18th century Blackheath schoolteacher became notorious for swindling her partner and her neighbours. All women welcome.
20:00-23:00 Wine & Wisdom
At The Castle Tavern, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Join Rob for a unique Cheese, Wine & Quiz night.
22:00-03:00 Poptarts
At Baby Love Bar, Kind Edward Street OX1 4HS – Oxford’s longest running LGBT night where town and gown meet in style
Wednesday 5th June
06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride
At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.
17:30-19:00 The University of Oxford LGBT Staff Group and Equality and persity Unit: Pride Panel Debate
At the University Natural History Museum, OX1 3PW – A panel discussion on LGBT issues, how far we’ve come and how we’re still “not there yet”. All welcome
Thursday 6th June
From 18:00 Oxford Area LGBT University Staff Social Group: 1st Thursday Drinks
At The University Club, 11 Mansfield Road OX1 3SZ – This casual monthly after works drinks gathering is an opportunity to meet new people or catch up with friends in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. We will have a rainbow flag on the table to help newcomers find us. All are welcome.
18:00-21:00 Pride Curry Night
At The Jolly Farmers, OX1 1LD Come along to an all-you-can-eat curry night for just £6.99. All profits going to Oxford Pride.
20:00-23:00 Karaoke
At The Castle Tavern, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Share your vocal skills for a fun filled evening with Donations to Oxford Pride.
22:00-23:00 Lashings of Ginger Beer Time presents Fanny Whittington: A Queer Sort of Pantomime
At the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, OX1 2AQ – £8 full/ £6 cons. Young orphan Fanny Whittington sets off to London… but whatever the streets are paved with, it’s definitely not gold. Can Fanny save her pet rat Basil from mortal peril (BOO!), win the love interest of her dreams (AWWW!) and avoid becoming the world’s most unpaid intern? Find out in this anarchic LGBTQ+ pantomime! Show 8pm Friday & Saturday too!
Friday 7th June
06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride
At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.
Saturday 8th June
12:00-13:00 Pride Parade
City Centre Starts at Cornmarket & Ship Streets.
12:00-20:00 Pride Event
Oxpens Field Next to the Ice Rink, OX1 1RQ
20:00- late Pride After Parties
Castle Tavern, Jolly Farmers & Plush Lounge
NOT THERE YET
Oxford Pride’s theme for Pride 2013 is “Not There Yet”, examining that whilst we have come a long way in recent years in terms of LGBT rights, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality.
Globally, there are over seventy countries that outlaw homosexuality, and far more where same-sex marriages are not permitted, whether labelled as ‘marriage’ or otherwise. Despite the fact that homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty in Uganda, LGBT Ugandans held their first Pride
Parade last year with nearly a hundred risking their lives and turning ut for the festivities.
Whilst we in the UK don’t have to fear legal repercussions for our orientation or gender identities like many in other countries do, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality, and the ability to live free from discrimination.
OXFORD PRIDE is a 10-day arts and cultural festival from Friday 31 May to Sunday 9 June. You are invited to join in the celebration of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire.
For more information visit: http://www.oxford-pride.org.uk