Pride Month is an annual celebration launched after New York’s Stonewall Riots in 1969.
Usually taking place over June, the month-long series of events aims to mark LGBTQ+ history, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality.
It brings together many different individuals and organisations to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and is an event we want to support at SAE.
In 2023, we profiled leading LGBTQ+ creatives. In our latest blog, here are some groups, events, resources and charities that could be useful to the creative community.
Creative LGBTQ+ groups
Saffron
According to music industry group Saffron, only 5% of the music tech space is made up of women, non-binary and trans people.
Their aim is to turn this figure around through workshops, educational programmes and community-building initiatives.
Trans Creative Collective
The Trans+ Creative Collective is a community set up by,
and for trans+ creators and allies to connect with one another in a safe and inclusive environment.
The aim is to educate and source opportunities in the arts, music and film.
London Gaymers
London Gaymers was established in 2012 as a social group to help LGBTQ+ gamers in the city to find and make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment.
Since then, the group has developed a thriving community through regular meet ups and its online community.
Homotopia
Founded in 2003 in Liverpool, Homotopia is an arts and social justice organisation aiming to make a cultural impact through art and activism.
The group’s mission is to support and platform local, national, and international LGBTQIA socially engaged artists and creatives.
Queer AF
This weekly newsletter has been developed to help subscribers stay on top of the latest within the LGBTQ+ communities and support content creators with opportunities.
Sanctuary Queer Arts
Launched in September 2020, Sanctuary is Scotland’s newest arts organisation for LGBTQ+ folx.
The group aim to amplify LGBTQ+ voices through artist development programmes for their community and allies.
Resources
Channel 4 | It’s a Sin
This hit drama comes from the pen of Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies about five friends growing up in the shadow of AIDS.
Watch the LGBTQ+ collection on Netflix
Netflix’s platform includes a whole host of great content, documentaries and films including Orange is the New Black, Boys in the Band, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Disclosure.
A look at life for young trans and non-binary people at the start of the 2020s from writer and broadcaster Juliet Jacques.
Amazon’s content collection includes The Danish Girl, Blue is the Warmest Colour and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie alongside many, many more.
This podcast hosted by Alan Cumming and Chris Sweeney describes itself as ‘Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour’ but for an LGBTQ+ audience.
Events
Attending Pride Parades and Events can be a great way of marking the month so check local listings for anything happening in your area. Here are the dates for marches taking place in the cities where you’ll find SAE campuses.
Glasgow
Glasgow’s Pride march is taking place on 20th July. Last year some 50,000 marchers turned up to celebrate and even more are expected to attend this year.
London
London’s annual parade and celebration will take place on 29th June, 2024. There will be various stages full of performances and live music in Trafalgar Square and Soho alongside the main parade to enjoy.
Liverpool
Liverpool has a whole host of Pride activities taking place over the weekend of 27th July. This year’s headline act is Katrina, formerly of Katrina and the Waves.
Warwick/Leamington Spa
The next Warwickshire Pride festival is taking place on Saturday 17th August 2024 at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa.
LGBTQ+ Charities
Stonewall: one of the largest LGBTQ+ charities in Europe, Stonewall takes it name from the riots of 1969 and campaign for positive change in attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Galop: an LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, providing support services relating to hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Switchboard: LGBTQ+ helpline: provides information, support and referral service for LGBTQ+ and their friends, parents or family.
Gendered Intelligence: a charity aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, specialising in supporting young trans people under 21.
Mermaids: supports trans and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.
GIRES: works to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages.
Stop Hate UK: provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
STUDY AT SAE
SAE offers two-year accelerated degree courses in growth creative media industries – Audio Production, Content Creation & Online Marketing, Game Art Animation, and Games Programming – all aimed at helping the next generation of creative professionals get ahead.
