Silver Pride 2020

The UK’s first ever 'Silver Pride’ event will take place this summer, celebrating older people in the LGBT+ community – with famous faces already signed up to take part.

The virtual event will take place on July 25 and 26, with appearances from TV’s Christopher Biggins, as well as drag make-up, mental health masterclasses, live DJ sets and performances from choirs, musicians, dancers and storytellers.

Organisers Friends of Dorothy – a social enterprise with groups in Leeds and Manchester – hope the two-day online event will help tackle loneliness amongst older people within the LGBT community.

Organiser Craig Burton, and Friends of Dorothy founder, said: “Older LGBT+ people often have to deal with isolation and loneliness, with lockdown making the situation even worse. They are also five times more likely to suffer from mental health issues, and we strongly believe inter-generational friendships and events like these are key to help tackle such problems.

“It’s been a huge disappointment that Pride events around the world haven’t been able to go ahead this year, but we’re determined to keep the party going and make sure the older generations still have a reason to celebrate. They are the reason we are all here – they paved the way and fought for us to enjoy life as we do today. Hosting an online celebration for them is the least we can do.

“Silver Pride is all about championing inclusion, celebrating individuality and connecting our communities. It will be a celebration of LGBT history, our freedom of expression and recognition of the fact we stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Organisers are keen to hear from any performers interested in getting involved and sharing their talent as part of the celebrations.

Craig added: “Whether it’s theatre, literature, live music, comedy, dance, wellbeing classes, or simply sharing your life stories, we’d love to hear from anyone who’s keen to get involved.”

Tickets will be available from silverpride.org.uk, with a suggested donation of £XXX. Money raised will go to the Friends of Dorothy charity to help continue its outreach with older people, combatting loneliness and isolation.

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Published: 2-Jul-2020: (5907)