A fundraiser was recently held to raise money and awareness for the safe space movement, which supports gender diversity.
The event took place on Saturday 19th July at Palmer Street Bottle Shop, where people gathered to support the movement focused on creating visible and active trans-inclusive spaces within communities.
Two bands performed on the night – Got Worms and Broccoli Boi – whose frontman, Ted Prendergast, a trans man, recently launched the Safe Space Frome initiative. The campaign highlights businesses and groups in the town that are inclusive of gender diversity.
Ted launched the initiative on Instagram earlier this year in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that legally defines gender based on biological sex.
A total of £251 was raised at the fundraiser, which Ted said will cover the cost of producing stickers for shop windows and marketing the Safe Space initiative, while also supporting the livelihoods of those running the scheme.
“It was packed,” said Ted. “It was a really great evening and we were so thankful to everyone who came down for it. We were feeling very good about how much we raised, it’s so hard at the moment so anything we could raise was appreciated.
“The turnout was fantastic; lots of people were complimentary about the music and keen to know when the next fundraiser was.”
After launching Safe Space Frome, which Ted was inspired to do after seeing the movement in Bristol, he said the support and feedback have been ‘immense.’ He has spoken with Frome’s mayor and is now in talks with MP Anna Sabine and Frome Medical Practice to potentially set up a youth trans support group. He has also met with members of Frome Pride.
“I have had so many people show an interest in Safe Space Frome and ask questions,” said Ted. “I always wanted to be more involved in my local community and help make things better. Doing this has made me really excited for what we can achieve together.”
