Frome’s LGBTQIA+ community hosted a diverse range of events and activities in Frome’s first Pride season that took place around the town from Thursday 1st June to Saturday 10th June.
Events included a Pride party, a reading by one of the founders of the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, as well as a special Q&A with one of the activists in the popular film Pride (2014).
Mark Stroud from Frome Pride said, “Pride is about a number of things including celebrating ourselves and those that we love, educating ourselves and others on our collective histories as communities, sharing LGBTQIA creativity and culture, highlighting how far LGBTQ+ rights have come in the UK (and there’s still more to do and protect), and how in some places in the world there’s still work to be done.
“Our intention at Frome Pride was through connection, collaboration and team work to put on a series of events that brought the above to life. And that’s what we have done – from the exuberant Pride party with Remy Melee, Mother, Zina Fadel and Ms Rianne Westwood to the more reflective book reading from Neil Blackmore at the Town Hall.
“We were blessed to hear Lisa Power, one of the founders of Stonewall, speak on the Market Stage at the Frome Independent market and have a Q&A session with Jonathan Blake following a showing of Pride the Movie at the Merlin Theatre. Smaller community-led groups also had events including the Tiny Rainbow Hearts for LGBTQIA identifying parents with small children, a (fibre) craft group and walking groups. All events were well attended and demonstrated the need for such spaces going forward.
“You can still purchase items from our sponsors throughout June including a Pride Vibe cocktail at Flow Bar, a bandana for your dog from Winston James Woof, sunglasses from Deadly as a Female, and the LGBT sandwich from the Riverhouse.”
The organisers have confirmed that Frome Pride will return for 2024. If you are a local organisation who would like to collaborate, you can get in touch at fromeprideenquiries@gmail.com
