CROWDS gathered in the High Street earlier today for this year’s Bromsgrove Pride.
Alison Fulop and Chelsea Moorhouse. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
The event – the second one to be held in the town – was bathed in sunshine. A contrast to last year’s inaugural one where attendees had to brave the rain.
A stage at the top end of the town by Argos boasted live entertainment, including a ‘Drag Showcase’ and there were a variety of stalls.
The Drag Showcase. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Elsewhere, shops, pubs and the regular market traders displayed rainbow flags to show their support.
Sharon Haywood from Shipleys had put out a display.
She said: “I’m gay and it’s great that so many people have come out to support the event.
“It’s a brilliant atmosphere. We need a parade as well next year.”
Sharon Haywood from Shipleys. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
One of the drag acts Phillimiup said: “It’s been incredible – lovely weather, fantastic turn-out and a fantastic show of solidarity.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s much bigger than last year and it will grow and grow.”
One group there was the New Road Parents’ Support Group which is for parents/carers whose children have come out to them as LGBTQIA+.
The organisation offers a peer to peer support group which helps parents adjust to the news from their child.
It can also signpost children and young people to other local LGBT youth groups
Helen Teece, Sam Warren, Chris Warren and Keith Hewitt from the New Road Parents’ Support Group. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
It said it had noticed an increase in the number of young people who had had the confidence to come out as LGBTQ+.
The Bromsgrove Pride organising committee. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
One of the organisers Ocean told the Standard; “I think it’s a great turn-out.
“There’s a really positive sense of community and a fantastic vibe.
“Before I set up the committee, I didn’t think there were any other LGBTQ+ young people around my age in Bromsgrove but this shows that there is.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Another committee member, Kirsty, added: “We’ve also had a lot of allies – people who are not LGBTQ+ but support the cause – the reaction has been overwhelming.
“There has been so much love shown here today and it’s great to see what is a usually small group so well supported.”
The organising committee said it hoped to grow the event and to have a parade as part of next year’s celebrations.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Any parents whose children have come out who want help with any issues can call the New Road Parents’ Support Group helpline on 07864 397422, email [email protected] or get in touch via the group’s Facebook page.
