THE UNIVERSITY of Warwick is set to hold its first-ever Pride event next week.
With Coventry Pride not taking place this year, the university will be holding its own event on its campus on Tuesday, June 27.
It will get under way at 2pm and will be held on the University Piazza and Students’ Union.
‘Out in the UK,’ a group dedicated to aiding LGBTQ+ refugees who may have had to conceal their sexuality in their home countries, will be part of the event.
There will also be a performance by local DJ, Josh Aldridge as well as the star guest and headline act Ginny Lemon from Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
The event will be hosted by the University of Warwick’s final year PhD researcher, Ibi Profane, who specialises in drag performances and identity.
In addition to the range of performances, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of funfair-type activities, including a rodeo bull.
Various food stalls will be available, offering award-winning food, and local venues and charity groups will present to raise awareness and discuss what they do in the community.
Ibi said: “With the increase of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the massive drop from 1st in the EU for LGBTQ+ rights in 2015 to 17th in 2023, Pride festivals are more important than ever.
“At Warwick, this festival has been organised with belonging and acceptance in mind for everyone, and to let all know they are welcome.
“It’s why we’ve decided to use #WeAllBelong as our tag because the queer community and its allies need each other more than ever.”
