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First patrons of People’s Pride Southampton announce
People’s Pride Southampton (PPS), a charity which provides inclusive, accessible events and support services for the LGBTQ+ community, their family members and allies, has announced LGBTQ+ activist Dr Sophie Cook (FRSA) and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell have become the charity’s first patrons, reflecting the values shared by PPS, Dr Cook and Mr Tatchell.
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Those values include championing the mental health of LGBTQ+ people and offering accessible and inclusive events for them and their allies. During a time of lockdown and isolation, PPS has been inundated with LGBTQ+ people needing support and assistance. PPS has also had to adapt to different ways of working, such as WhatsApp and online video calls.
Dr Sophie Cook said: “With the everincreasing pressure on the mental health, wellbeing and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people, the need for Pride has never been greater.
“While there are a growing number of Pride organisations and events around the country I have been impressed with the non-commercial, grassroots ethics of PPS from the very beginning.
“I was excited to be invited by them to speak at the inaugural event in 2020, but due to the global situation that has been pushed back to 2022 and I now look forward to seeing everyone there, this time carrying the honour of being patron.”
Peter Tatchell said: “I’m honoured to be a patron of PPS. It works the year round to support the LGBTQ+ community and is hosting a completely accessible and inclusive Pride event, with no commercial sponsors.
“LGBTQ+ people have made great gains but there are still issues to win, including a ban on attempts to ‘cure’ LGBTQ+ people and an end to the demonisation of trans men and women by the tabloid press. Even today nearly half of all young LGBTQ+ people say they were bullied at school and a third of LGBTQ+ people have been victims of hate crime. The battle of LGBTQ+ respect and dignity is not over yet.”
For more info on PPS, visit: www.peoplesprideuk.com
