Gloucestershire Rainbow Day 2007, flags and pansies

This year's 2nd annual pride is set to be to bigger and better than last years. There will be a whole day and night's worth of entertainment to keep everyone amused on 11th August 2007. Last year Greens were the only political party presence, I hope that more groups will join this year. See my blog report on the day here (Apols but font size of this blog entry wont obey me today).

Photo: last years march: me holding the banner - think you can see my hand!

Last year the County Council flew the Rainbow flag - possibly the first County in the country - in talking to County Council officers that attended the march I urged that it would be great if all the District Councils also flew the flag next year (ie this year). I wrote to Stroud District after that event and am pleased to hear they will be flying the flag at Ebley Mill.

It then occurred to me that few people will see it there so I also tried to get Stroud Town Council to fly the flag but they don't have a flag pole - this led to me suggesting to the District that the Sub Rooms in Stroud might also fly - I heard this week that they will. Great stuff.

Gloucester City has also signed up for a flag - the other 4 councils haven't responded officially yet but I hear that they all intend to fly the flag: Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Cotswolds and Forest of Dean.

It is great to see support for this day. Europride last year in London saw over half a million people march, in part to highlight how Governments are failing to protect individuals and fully adhere to anti-discrimination legislation. Change is coming - the Royal Navy were officially amongst the marchers then - but more is needed.

Many gay people experience discrimination - take for example our workplaces and in schools some children face homophobic bullying. Our government also deports gay and lesbian asylum seekers who have fled jail, rape and torture to countries where they face jail or worse just for their sexuality. In some countries to be gay is a death sentence.

The Gloucestershire Rainbow Day is about raising awareness of continuing homophobia in the County and further afield. This is a hugely positive move to help us our society become more equal and show more respect to all and I will be supporting it again this year. Join us for the fun - see more details on the Gloucestershire Rainbow Day website here (and programme below):
http://www.gloucestershirepride.org.uk/index.html

Meanwhile yesterday I heard from a friend re the Pansy Project (and blog here)- an ongoing web based installation by Paul Harfleet where pansies are planted and photographed in locations where homophobic incidents have occurred. Take a look at his website - Paul has taken the project to a range of locations from Manchester, New York, Margate, the South Bank and Camden. Paul Harfleet's work is becoming increasingly well-known. He and his artists' space, Apartment, recently featured in an article in The Guardian.

So far the programme is as follows:

Pride Parade through Gloucester City Centre - Midday

The parade will assemble outside Shire Hall for speeches by local and national dignitaries at around 12.30pm before marching off to Llanthony priory through town. Bring your family and friends and wear something colourful! Music for the parade will be provided by the Severn Sound Black Thunders.

Afternoon In the Park - Midday - 5.00pm

Immediately after the parade the park at Llanthony Priory will be open where there will be stalls to browse around, a licensed bar, food outlets and entertainment on the stage with a mixture of entertainment and music from the Servern Sound team. Why not bring along a rug and hopefully enjoy chilling out in the sun. This event is totally free, but any change you may have in your pockets will be gratefully received towards running costs.

Party at the Guild Hall - 5.00pm - 2.00am

The Guild Hall will open at 5pm when the park will close. The main bar will be open and we intend to show a selection of films and entertainment in the cinema up until 10pm. The party will start to warm up straight away in the main hall. We have DJ's for the duration of the party and some really great acts to keep everyone entertained.
Early Bird Tickets are available at a reduced price of £10 per adult and £5 per child under 16. Ticket prices will be £15 for adults and £7.50 for children on the door. Latest News: We have already confirmed loads of top acts for both the park and the Guildhall, follow the links above for the very latest information.