Medway residents will come together to celebrate diversity and equality at Medway’s first LGBTQIA+ Pride event on Saturday, 21 August.
Medway Council is supporting Medway Pride, which is being organised in partnership with volunteer group Medway Pride CIC, supported by Countryside, Hyde Housing and the Rochester Riverside Community Fund and other sponsors.
Medway Pride Festival #MPFestival2021 will be a colourful, fun-filled event for all the family to enjoy and will celebrate diversity and support equality for all of Medway’s communities.
The festival is part of an eight-day programme across north Kent which begins with Gravesham Pride on Saturday, 14 August.
Residents of all ages were able to sign up for free tickets to Medway Pride, which will be held at Rochester Riverside Walk in Doust Way from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, 21 August. All tickets have now been booked, however, residents are able to sign up to a waiting list, in case any tickets are returned.
There will be a number of performances, including ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, River Medway, Kelly Wilde and Sami Brooks.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “I am very pleased, and proud, that we are supporting Medway’s very first Pride event which will celebrate our diverse community. We take our role in supporting and protecting Medway’s LGBTQIA+ community very seriously and we work with the community to provide advice, guidance and support. Medway Pride is just one of the festivals in our fantastic family-friendly summer events programme which celebrates Medway’s culture and communities, past, present and future as the area bids to become UK City of Culture 2025. Becoming City of Culture would bring significant benefits to Medway, including more opportunities for young people, and will help showcase all we have to offer.”
Hilary Cooke, Chair of Medway Pride CIC, said: “We are pleased to advise that free tickets for Medway Pride 2021 were taken up as soon as they were released, with very few left for the day, which includes eight hours of entertainment and opportunities to meet some of the voluntary support groups working in Medway. These include Medway Voluntary Action who support a network of charities and support groups working in Medway, as well as representatives from the support services including the NHS, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue service. LGBTQIA+ support organisations such as Medway Gender & Sexual Diversity Centre, METRO Charity, Stand Out Group and Porchlight will be on hand to offer advice and support at the event.
“There will also be opportunities to be creative with INTRA Arts and get artistic in our chalk gallery. INTRA Arts is currently hosting an LGBTQIA+ history in Medway display until Friday, 20 August, and there are opportunities to enjoy LGBTQ+ history walks on Thursday, 19 and Friday, 20 August with Rob Flood and to sail on the Edith May Sailing Barge during the Pride event. You need a ticket to enter the event and to find out more, visit medwaypride.co.uk. We look forward celebrating Medway Pride with you.”
Medway Council supports the LGBTQIA+ community in a number of ways. The council’s Youth Service has teamed up with Porchlight to offer young people aged 13 to 18, who are LGBTQIA+, or think they may be, safe spaces to meet new people and share their experiences and feelings. The Be You sessions also offer information, advice and support to Medway’s young people. Sessions are held at Youth Centres across Medway, for more information, and to sign up, email be***@************rg.uk or visit thebeyouproject.co.uk.
Cllr Josie Iles, Medway Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services, added: “I am pleased that we are working with Porchlight to offer LGBTQIA+ young people, and those who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, safe places across Medway where they can meet to socialise, have fun and offer support to one another. I would encourage young people to access the support available. Both Medway Pride, and the Be You sessions, supports our aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.”
Medway’s Libraries are also supporting Medway Pride. Rochester Community Hub currently has a range of books on display which explore LGBTQIA+ themes or are written by LGBTQIA+ authors to celebrate Pride. The titles are also being promoted in the library catalogue. To find out more about Medway’s libraries, visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries.
The council is also proud to have an internal LGBTQI+ workers forum which aims to promote awareness and opportunities for LGBTQI+ employees within the council and promote acceptance and awareness of LGBTQI+ issues.
The safety of Medway’s residents, visitors and staff is paramount to Medway Council and all of its events adhere to the current government advice. As Medway Pride is an outside event, wearing face coverings is optional, however, visitors are asked to respect those who may wear them and hand sanitising stations will be available.
Adults Only History Walks as part of Medway Pride 2021 – Thursday 19th and Friday 20th August at 7.30pm
Carry On Up the Khyber – the Oldest Profession and LGBT Ta`les of the Medway Towns.
Come along and learn how the Medway Towns were almost entirely responsible for the 1864 Contagious Diseases Act of Parliament, how an area of Rochester and Chatham with historic links to local sex workers, became home to not just the LGBTQ+ communities of the Medway Towns but of the whole of Kent and how a pub at the centre of these communities supported the Medway Gay Switchboard and became a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people.
These history walks will take about 90 minutes and will leave from the Victoria Street junction with the Terrace at ME1 1XJ in Rochester. Arrive for 7.30pm start. Each walk is limited to 20 people.
These walks are supported by Medway Council and funded by Historic England and the High Street Heritage Action Zone Project.
Join Medway Pride on the Fringe event hosted by Tiller & Wheel on the Edith May Sailing Barge.
The trip is free, a £10 booking fee will be refunded after the trip
An 80 minute sail, departing from Sun Pier, Chatham
Our Medway River Trip is the perfect way to get an introduction to barge sailing, whilst taking in the historic sights of Rochester Medway Pride and the upriver Medway between the Dockyard and Sun Pier.
This stretch of the river oozes with history and there will be plenty to see as the barge sails between Rochester Bridge and Chatham Historic Dockyard and the historic vessels contained within this vast museum.
A Thames sailing barge is the ideal platform to experience these sights from, with plenty of deck space and a comfortable hold to explore. There used to be thousands of barges on this stretch of river and now there is only one.
You will be invited to lend a hand setting the sails and are welcome to take a turn at the wheel – a rare chance to handle a large vessel under sail.
Once aboard, refreshments are available to purchase, including hot and cold drinks, a selection of coastal beers, Kent wines and local spirits.
The experience lasts around 80 minutes, with a little variation depending on conditions on the day.
Please only book one experience at a time. Once you have completed your sail, you are welcome to book another date.
We hope that you choose to support us by becoming a Patron, but there is no obligation.
A bar selling refreshments will be available on the day.
We request a £10 deposit per space to confirm your attendance, this is refunded after the trip. If you fail to notify that you no longer wish to sail aboard having booked a place, we will retain the deposit (cancellation must be at least 48 hours before the date of sail).
You are invited aboard as a guest of Tiller & Wheel – we reserve the right to cancel bookings for any reason.
A weekend of Fun at The Ship Inn Old Rochester High Street, INTRA Rochester.
Unfortunately this event has been canceled until 12th August, though to the 15th August
Come along to the Ship and have some fun while raising funds for Medway Pride 2021.
Medway Pride have not been able to hold any fundraiser due to COVID restrictions so the SHIP INN with support from their entertainment providers have got together to produce 4 fun nights to raise funds and support Medway Pride 2021.
Thank you Nathan, Yvonne, Darren, DJ TommyC, Gavin and all at the Ship Inn for your support and to all those who will attend to help raise funds for Medway Pride
Update: The first two batches of Medway Pride FREE tickets have sold out! The last batch of tickets will be released early August, Keep an eye on this website and social networks for news updates.
Medway Pride festival #MPFestival2021 on Saturday 21st August is going to be a colourful fun filled event, for all the family to celebrate diversity and support equality, for all communities of Medway. It is in essence a community cohesion event inviting everyone to come together, to breaking down barriers and develop understanding and acceptance of each other.
This year’s festival at Doust Way will be a family friendly event that will include community stalls from the voluntary community sector to advise about the work they provide. We will also have community liaison team from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services along with staff from Kent and Medway Community Health Care NHS Trust to support the community and discuss the services they provide.
The entertainment will commence from 12pm with opening speeches from local dignitaries, and supporters, with Medway Pride Radio Roadshow, and ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, Gary Lucas, Elberace (Gay Elvis), River Medway, Amrick Channa, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Kelly Wilde & Sami Brooks with the event closing a 8pm.
In addition to the Medway Pride one day festival on 21st we are working with Gravesham Pride CIC and Partners to make sure we have a safe 8 day festival that commences with Gravesham Pride on Saturday 14th August 2021 followed by a week of events involving local partners and ends with Medway Pride on Saturday 21st August 2021.
Medway Pride paiting by Renee Kathleen
We are planning stage based entertainment from 12.00pm to 8.00pm which will include Local, National & International performances alongside a mixture of community stalls from organisations providing services in Medway and business stalls selling food, drinks and memorabilia which would be situated around the festival ground
Medway Pride CIC is not just about the main Pride event, it is also an organisation which engages with the community all year round.. With this in mind, we had planned to begin Medway Pride 2021 in February with an Art exhibition during LGBT History Month with the support of Nucleus Arts however, this had to be postponed to next year due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Undeterred, we decided to replace this opening event with the launch of Medway Pride Radio (www.medwayprideradio.co.uk) with the support of the INTRA Cultural Consortium as a community asset to promote community cultural activities and all community voluntary support service across Medway. Medway Pride Radio is staffed entirely by volunteers who provide a mixture of music and light entertainment as well as thought provoking and educational material.
So ‘Dont’t Hide Your Pride’
because ‘This is a Festival for Everyone to Enjoy’
for you to ‘Be YOU and Make Some Friends’.
Community groups who wish to take a stall and businesses who wish to rent stalls can use our contacts form. we are planning to have food outlets, bars,drinks, sweets, kids entertainment etc.
To deliver this fantastic celebration of diversity we need to raise funding to cover the costs of #MPFestival20201, Medway Pride festival. It’s not just the festival we are raising funds for as our goals for Medway Pride CIC are to support and improve community services for the LGBTQI+ community.
We shall be posting further information in the comming weeks and months advising how you can be involved as individual volunteers, you can register an interest via our contact form .
Fun for All
#MPFestival2021 intends to provide entertainment for all the family so everyone from every community can be involved. We will be encouraging local businesses and venues to join the fun, in the run up to, and during the festival. We will also look to colaborate with other intrested parties to provide other events in the run up to the festival.
Any businesses, venues, or other parties who wish to discuss fundraising events can contact us via our contact form. We can help promote your business via our website and social media pages.
Tickets for Medway Pride
This is a free event with tickets being released event bright in early July. Keep an eye on this website and our social media pages. We need people to register for tickets with their contact details to allow for Track and Trace of attendies should we need to contact you.
No entrey will be allowed to the event without a ticket. Full details will be available when you apply.
Get Involved
How can we help
Medway Pride #MPFestival2021 will need your help and support to deliver the festival. We will be posting further information advising how and when you can help us.
We are looking to work with local businesses community groups and other organisations, to raise awarness of LGBTQI+ issues and raise funds to support Medway PrideCIC. Their involvement through participation in the Medway Pride event by providing stalls, entertainiment, and through sponsorship donations to our festival fund.
Individuals can support us through sponsorshipdonations to our festival fund and by volunteering to help with organising the parade and events.
All are welcome to attendTime: Jun 29, 2021 07:00 PM London
The meeting has been held, you can contact Medway Pride via email in**@************co.uk or by using our contact form
Medway Pride 2021 Festival Medway Pride festival #MPFestival2021 on Saturday 21st August is going to be a colourful fun filled event, for all the family to celebrate diversity and support equality, for all communities of Medway. It is in essence a community cohesion event inviting everyone to come together, to breaking down barriers and develop understanding and acceptance of each other. This year’s festival at Doust Way will be a family friendly event that will include community stalls from the voluntary community sector to advise about the work they provide. We will also have community liaison team from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services along with staff from Kent and Medway Community Health Care NHS Trust to support the community and discuss the services they provide. The entertainment will commence from 12pm with opening speeches from local dignitaries, and supporters, with Medway Pride Radio Roadshow, and ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, Gary Lucas, Elberace (Gay Elvis), River Medway, Amrick Channa, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Kelly Wilde & Sami Brooks with the event closing a 8pm. In addition to the Medway Pride one day festival on 21st we are working with Gravesham Pride CIC and Partners to make sure we have a safe 8 day festival that commences with Gravesham Pride on Saturday 14th August 2021 followed by a week of events involving local partners and ends with Medway Pride on Saturday 21st August 2021. The event is free to attend but we will be issuing tickets to control the numbers attending which will be capped at 1500. It is a family event so every part of the community is invited to attend. We have been approached by voluntary organisations who support young carers and those that support young people from various support groups. We will of course have people of all ages attending the event you you are also welcome to attend. You can keep up to date via our website www.medwaypride.co.uk or you can listen to Medway Pride Radio at www.medwayprideradio.co.uk
LICENSING ACT 2003:
Application for Premises Licence
Take notice that Medway Pride CIC has made an application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 for a new premises licence for Land on Doust Way, Rochester, Kent. ME1
The application is for : Entertainment, Live Music, Recorded Music & Dance
This application has been made to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership, Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU. Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01474 337434. Full details of the application and plans can be viewed at Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU during normal hours of business
Any interested party who wishes to make a representation about this application should do so in writing to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend Kent DA12 1AU, or by sending an email to li*******@***********ov.uk. no later than 07 July 2021
It is an offence, under section 158 of the licensing act 2003, to make a false Statement in or in connection with this application. Those who make a false Statement may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of any amount.
On June 12, the nation will mark five years since the tragedy in Orlando. This serves as a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made since the shooting, pause to honor the lives of the 49 people who were shot and killed and many more forever changed, and recommit to honoring them with action.
A coalition of organizations made up of QLatinx, The LGBT+ Center Orlando, the OnePulse Foundation, Equality Florida, Equality Federation Institute, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is teaming up to elevate events happening locally in Orlando and create opportunities for people to engage nationally in the remembrance. On June 12, the coalition will host a National Discussion on the tragedy at Pulse streaming on Facebook or Twitter at 5:00pm ET followed by a National Moment of Silence at 6:00pm ET.
IT’S PRIDE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Pride season (for those going ahead) starts here.
The questions I hear most often at this time of year are ‘Do we really need another pride?’ or my favourite ‘When is straight pride?’
I’ll try to explain, so please bear with me.
Looking up Pride in the dictionary….pride is:
a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
consciousness of one’s own dignity.
confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience.
the best state of something; the prime
Last night I walked into The Ship Inn by myself. It was the first time I had entered a pub alone in 16 years. I bought a drink, had a laugh with the bartender (he’s a keeper!), sat in the beer garden and relaxed in the evening sun.
So why the 16 year break? Well last night I was dressed as me, nothing riotous (except the heels!), The Ship Inn is a safe space, and, just by being there, I expressed all 4 of the dictionary definitions.
I can’t walk into a pub alone in ‘boy mode’. I just can’t, I think everyone is staring at me and I don’t feel safe. Yes, I know how this sounds but it is true.
Having a space in which you can just be, like The Ship Inn, allows you to feel a sense of being, and that fosters a sense of pride. If I was ‘straight, cis etc’, that would be almost any pub, almost any festival, almost any parade… you start to get the idea.
So, it’s not really too much to suggest a pride season is it? But here is the thing, as I sat in the beer garden, I watched straight boys chatting up straight girls, people of unknown sexuality, gender, social orientation, they were all just being themselves, and while a couple were being way too much themselves by 11pm, it was relaxed and fun. Everyone was welcome.
Not all pubs are like this, not all events include all the community… So straight pride happens every damn day, and, hell yes, we need Prides. With the attacks that our community is seeing at the moment I’m going to suggest we need them now more than any time in the last quarter of a century.
So please follow any advice you are given if you are attending a Pride, keep safe and enjoy pride season! We will be blogging the good and the bad about Pride here all summer!
And one more thing, it’s never just the LGBT+ community that has been disrespected, marginalised, treated differently based on an inherent characteristic. There are many people who find themselves feeling like that, and as the straight boys and girls found out at The Ship, it’s a welcoming place where you are automatically considered an ally……. Just like pride.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.
The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions such as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.
Although LGBTQIA+ human rights have improved in some countries the equality rights and injustice still exist and there is still imprisonment and death sentences in many countries around the world for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The TRans & Non-binary community are at the forfront of chalenges to their human & equality rights here in the UK and in the USA, with access to medical treatment being removed or restricted, support and equality rights being challenged in court with the aim of rolling back rights held for over a decade.
We stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in their fight for human and equality rights to bring equity to access services and remove the barriers the community face.
Take a few seconds to say that you care
Today more than ever it is important that “Together, we Resist, Support, and Heal”
Medway Pride & Medway Pride Radio are supporting TDOV though our visability and programing today 31st March 2021.
Why you may ask is TDOV important?
The International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is celebrated on March 31 every year. It was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues. The purpose of TDoV is to recognize the accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people as well as bring attention to their continued struggles. It is an important day for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole and the transgender community in particular.
Members of marginalized groups often have limited exposure to successful people that look like them, be it real-world examples or visibility in the media The transgender community is no exception to that rule.
Their visibility in the media is not only minimal but often used to ridicule and missrepresent the community. Over the past 3 years mainstream media has used Trans people, and Trans Women in particular to drive a push back on Trans peoples equality rights and healthcare for young trans people. Taking out court actions against organisations that are supporting the equality rights of trans people or those providing support to them.
From the stories published in mainstream media you would think that Trans people were all powerful, able to quash the voices of the majority of people and demand health care provision to help reduce gender dysphoria and have treatment provided imediately the next day, Forcing children though a conveyor where they are plied with drugs to change their gender without chance to consider their futures.
The reality is very different!
The reality for Trans people of any age today is living in a society where the media is seen as a toxic force with a government that is not taking action to support trans people and where small but organised groups are using the Trans community as a wedge issue to push back on LGBTQIA+ and womens equality rights.
The reality is if you are a young person in need of support to discuss their gender identity with parents, wider family, friends and peers, you are made to feel ashamed and guilty for being you.
If you are lucky and have a supportive family and you find a supportive GP you will be refered to Child & Adolecent Mental Health Services and then onto the Gender Identity Development Service. This pathway to have your first assesment with a gender specialist take up to 3 years, and that is for the first appointment not to receive medical treatment, this is only available after many assesments by child & adolecent pyscologists and gender specialist. It certainly dose not fit the image of a conveyor belt pushing young people though a process to quickly.
If you are an adult and find the courage to discuss your gender identity with family and friends and found the support to ask your GP for help you will come across barriers to access treatment, your GP may not feel able to treat you, if they do refer you to the adult NHS gender service you will find yourself on a 3 to 4 year waiting list for a first apointment. and once you manage to navigate to the appointment you will need to progress through a process that can take another 3 to 5 years to complete your journey. A decade of you life on waiting lists while dealing with life in what can appear to be an hostile environmentn.
The majority are supportive!
When you find the courage and support to be yourself, you will be supprised to find out the the majority of people are supportive of the community. The majority are busy living their own lives and are not bothered about the concerns about which toilet people use, or what services they can access. They may not totally understand why trans people are trans but they are not transphobic.
This is why TDOV is important today. It gives members of the Trans community and others a chance to see that you can live, be happy and successful and a Trans person. It gives Allies a chance to show their support for the community and all this helps those who may need support to not be scared, to find organisation that can support them, and take that first step to live as their true selves.
To the Trans community I say, I see you, I stand with you, I will support you.
To our Allies I say be visable, be vocal in your support, help educate your friends and work mates.
To everyone, take the time to find out more about communities from the communities, talk to them and avoid those who spread hate and conspiracies theories
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Last Updated: 10/08/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Medway Council & Medway Pride 2021
Medway residents will come together to celebrate diversity and equality at Medway’s first LGBTQIA+ Pride event on Saturday, 21 August.
Medway Council is supporting Medway Pride, which is being organised in partnership with volunteer group Medway Pride CIC, supported by Countryside, Hyde Housing and the Rochester Riverside Community Fund and other sponsors.
Medway Pride Festival #MPFestival2021 will be a colourful, fun-filled event for all the family to enjoy and will celebrate diversity and support equality for all of Medway’s communities.
The festival is part of an eight-day programme across north Kent which begins with Gravesham Pride on Saturday, 14 August.
Residents of all ages were able to sign up for free tickets to Medway Pride, which will be held at Rochester Riverside Walk in Doust Way from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, 21 August. All tickets have now been booked, however, residents are able to sign up to a waiting list, in case any tickets are returned.
There will be a number of performances, including ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, River Medway, Kelly Wilde and Sami Brooks.
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “I am very pleased, and proud, that we are supporting Medway’s very first Pride event which will celebrate our diverse community. We take our role in supporting and protecting Medway’s LGBTQIA+ community very seriously and we work with the community to provide advice, guidance and support. Medway Pride is just one of the festivals in our fantastic family-friendly summer events programme which celebrates Medway’s culture and communities, past, present and future as the area bids to become UK City of Culture 2025. Becoming City of Culture would bring significant benefits to Medway, including more opportunities for young people, and will help showcase all we have to offer.”
Hilary Cooke, Chair of Medway Pride CIC, said: “We are pleased to advise that free tickets for Medway Pride 2021 were taken up as soon as they were released, with very few left for the day, which includes eight hours of entertainment and opportunities to meet some of the voluntary support groups working in Medway. These include Medway Voluntary Action who support a network of charities and support groups working in Medway, as well as representatives from the support services including the NHS, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue service. LGBTQIA+ support organisations such as Medway Gender & Sexual Diversity Centre, METRO Charity, Stand Out Group and Porchlight will be on hand to offer advice and support at the event.
“There will also be opportunities to be creative with INTRA Arts and get artistic in our chalk gallery. INTRA Arts is currently hosting an LGBTQIA+ history in Medway display until Friday, 20 August, and there are opportunities to enjoy LGBTQ+ history walks on Thursday, 19 and Friday, 20 August with Rob Flood and to sail on the Edith May Sailing Barge during the Pride event. You need a ticket to enter the event and to find out more, visit medwaypride.co.uk. We look forward celebrating Medway Pride with you.”
Medway Council supports the LGBTQIA+ community in a number of ways. The council’s Youth Service has teamed up with Porchlight to offer young people aged 13 to 18, who are LGBTQIA+, or think they may be, safe spaces to meet new people and share their experiences and feelings. The Be You sessions also offer information, advice and support to Medway’s young people. Sessions are held at Youth Centres across Medway, for more information, and to sign up, email be***@************rg.uk or visit thebeyouproject.co.uk.
Cllr Josie Iles, Medway Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services, added: “I am pleased that we are working with Porchlight to offer LGBTQIA+ young people, and those who may be questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, safe places across Medway where they can meet to socialise, have fun and offer support to one another. I would encourage young people to access the support available. Both Medway Pride, and the Be You sessions, supports our aspiration to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.”
Medway’s Libraries are also supporting Medway Pride. Rochester Community Hub currently has a range of books on display which explore LGBTQIA+ themes or are written by LGBTQIA+ authors to celebrate Pride. The titles are also being promoted in the library catalogue. To find out more about Medway’s libraries, visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries.
The council is also proud to have an internal LGBTQI+ workers forum which aims to promote awareness and opportunities for LGBTQI+ employees within the council and promote acceptance and awareness of LGBTQI+ issues.
The safety of Medway’s residents, visitors and staff is paramount to Medway Council and all of its events adhere to the current government advice. As Medway Pride is an outside event, wearing face coverings is optional, however, visitors are asked to respect those who may wear them and hand sanitising stations will be available.
For more information about Medway Pride visit: medway.gov.uk/medwaypride
To find out how you can book tickets, visit: medwaypride.co.uk
Posted: 05/08/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Medway Pride 2021 Adults Only History Walk – Carry On Up the Khyber
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/robert-flood/t-kjongr
Adults Only History Walks as part of Medway Pride 2021 – Thursday 19th and Friday 20th August at 7.30pm
Carry On Up the Khyber – the Oldest Profession and LGBT Ta`les of the Medway Towns.
Come along and learn how the Medway Towns were almost entirely responsible for the 1864 Contagious Diseases Act of Parliament, how an area of Rochester and Chatham with historic links to local sex workers, became home to not just the LGBTQ+ communities of the Medway Towns but of the whole of Kent and how a pub at the centre of these communities supported the Medway Gay Switchboard and became a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people.
These history walks will take about 90 minutes and will leave from the Victoria Street junction with the Terrace at ME1 1XJ in Rochester. Arrive for 7.30pm start. Each walk is limited to 20 people.
These walks are supported by Medway Council and funded by Historic England and the High Street Heritage Action Zone Project.
Event Details
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/robert-flood/t-kjongr
Starts at 7:30PM
Location
Carry On Up the Khyber, Rochester, ME1 1XJ
Last Updated: 21/09/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Pride River Trips from Sun Pier
Join Medway Pride on the Fringe event hosted by Tiller & Wheel on the Edith May Sailing Barge.
The trip is free, a £10 booking fee will be refunded after the trip
An 80 minute sail, departing from Sun Pier, Chatham
Our Medway River Trip is the perfect way to get an introduction to barge sailing, whilst taking in the historic sights of Rochester Medway Pride and the upriver Medway between the Dockyard and Sun Pier.
This stretch of the river oozes with history and there will be plenty to see as the barge sails between Rochester Bridge and Chatham Historic Dockyard and the historic vessels contained within this vast museum.
A Thames sailing barge is the ideal platform to experience these sights from, with plenty of deck space and a comfortable hold to explore. There used to be thousands of barges on this stretch of river and now there is only one.
You will be invited to lend a hand setting the sails and are welcome to take a turn at the wheel – a rare chance to handle a large vessel under sail.
Once aboard, refreshments are available to purchase, including hot and cold drinks, a selection of coastal beers, Kent wines and local spirits.
The experience lasts around 80 minutes, with a little variation depending on conditions on the day.
Before booking, please read the General Information page.
If you have any questions, please contact us
Free Sailing Experiences – Booking guidance
Last Updated: 05/08/2021 by Hilary Cooke 1 Comment
The Ship Inn Medway Pride Fundraiser
A weekend of Fun at The Ship Inn Old Rochester High Street, INTRA Rochester.
Unfortunately this event has been canceled until 12th August, though to the 15th August
Come along to the Ship and have some fun while raising funds for Medway Pride 2021.
Medway Pride have not been able to hold any fundraiser due to COVID restrictions so the SHIP INN with support from their entertainment providers have got together to produce 4 fun nights to raise funds and support Medway Pride 2021.
Thank you Nathan, Yvonne, Darren, DJ TommyC, Gavin and all at the Ship Inn for your support and to all those who will attend to help raise funds for Medway Pride
Hilary – Medway Pride CIC
Last Updated: 05/08/2021 by Hilary Cooke 1 Comment
Medway Pride 2021 Festival News
SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY 21st AUGUST
Medway Pride 2021 Festival
Update: The first two batches of Medway Pride FREE tickets have sold out! The last batch of tickets will be released early August, Keep an eye on this website and social networks for news updates.
Medway Pride festival #MPFestival2021 on Saturday 21st August is going to be a colourful fun filled event, for all the family to celebrate diversity and support equality, for all communities of Medway. It is in essence a community cohesion event inviting everyone to come together, to breaking down barriers and develop understanding and acceptance of each other.
This year’s festival at Doust Way will be a family friendly event that will include community stalls from the voluntary community sector to advise about the work they provide. We will also have community liaison team from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services along with staff from Kent and Medway Community Health Care NHS Trust to support the community and discuss the services they provide.
The entertainment will commence from 12pm with opening speeches from local dignitaries, and supporters, with Medway Pride Radio Roadshow, and ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, Gary Lucas, Elberace (Gay Elvis), River Medway, Amrick Channa, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Kelly Wilde & Sami Brooks with the event closing a 8pm.
In addition to the Medway Pride one day festival on 21st we are working with Gravesham Pride CIC and Partners to make sure we have a safe 8 day festival that commences with Gravesham Pride on Saturday 14th August 2021 followed by a week of events involving local partners and ends with Medway Pride on Saturday 21st August 2021.
We are planning stage based entertainment from 12.00pm to 8.00pm which will include Local, National & International performances alongside a mixture of community stalls from organisations providing services in Medway and business stalls selling food, drinks and memorabilia which would be situated around the festival ground
Medway Pride CIC is not just about the main Pride event, it is also an organisation which engages with the
community all year round.. With this in mind, we had planned to begin Medway Pride 2021 in February
with an Art exhibition during LGBT History Month with the support of Nucleus Arts however, this had
to be postponed to next year due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Undeterred, we decided to replace this opening event with the launch of Medway Pride Radio (www.medwayprideradio.co.uk) with the support of the INTRA Cultural Consortium as a community asset to promote community cultural activities and all community voluntary support service across Medway. Medway Pride Radio is staffed entirely by volunteers who provide a mixture of music and light entertainment as well as thought provoking and educational material.
So ‘Dont’t Hide Your Pride’
because ‘This is a Festival for Everyone to Enjoy’
for you to ‘Be YOU and Make Some Friends’.
Community groups who wish to take a stall and businesses who wish to rent stalls can use our contacts form. we are planning to have food outlets, bars,drinks, sweets, kids entertainment etc.
To deliver this fantastic celebration of diversity we need to raise funding to cover the costs of #MPFestival20201, Medway Pride festival. It’s not just the festival we are raising funds for as our goals for Medway Pride CIC are to support and improve community services for the LGBTQI+ community.
We shall be posting further information in the comming weeks and months advising how you can be involved as individual volunteers, you can register an interest via our contact form .
Fun for All
#MPFestival2021 intends to provide entertainment for all the family so everyone from every community can be involved. We will be encouraging local businesses and venues to join the fun, in the run up to, and during the festival. We will also look to colaborate with other intrested parties to provide other events in the run up to the festival.
Any businesses, venues, or other parties who wish to discuss fundraising events can contact us via our contact form. We can help promote your business via our website and social media pages.
Tickets for Medway Pride
This is a free event with tickets being released event bright in early July. Keep an eye on this website and our social media pages. We need people to register for tickets with their contact details to allow for Track and Trace of attendies should we need to contact you.
No entrey will be allowed to the event without a ticket. Full details will be available when you apply.
Get Involved
How can we help
Medway Pride #MPFestival2021 will need your help and support to deliver the festival. We will be posting further information advising how and when you can help us.
We are looking to work with local businesses community groups and other organisations, to raise awarness of LGBTQI+ issues and raise funds to support Medway PrideCIC. Their involvement through participation in the Medway Pride event by providing stalls, entertainiment, and through sponsorship donations to our festival fund.
Individuals can support us through sponsorship donations to our festival fund and by volunteering to help with organising the parade and events.
Last Updated: 30/06/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Medway Pride Public Meeting
All are welcome to attendTime: Jun 29, 2021 07:00 PM London
The meeting has been held, you can contact Medway Pride via email in**@************co.uk or by using our contact form
Medway Pride 2021 Festival
Medway Pride festival #MPFestival2021 on Saturday 21st August is going to be a colourful fun filled event, for all the family to celebrate diversity and support equality, for all communities of Medway. It is in essence a community cohesion event inviting everyone to come together, to breaking down barriers and develop understanding and acceptance of each other.
This year’s festival at Doust Way will be a family friendly event that will include community stalls from the voluntary community sector to advise about the work they provide. We will also have community liaison team from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services along with staff from Kent and Medway Community Health Care NHS Trust to support the community and discuss the services they provide.
The entertainment will commence from 12pm with opening speeches from local dignitaries, and supporters, with Medway Pride Radio Roadshow, and ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, Gary Lucas, Elberace (Gay Elvis), River Medway, Amrick Channa, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Kelly Wilde & Sami Brooks with the event closing a 8pm.
In addition to the Medway Pride one day festival on 21st we are working with Gravesham Pride CIC and Partners to make sure we have a safe 8 day festival that commences with Gravesham Pride on Saturday 14th August 2021 followed by a week of events involving local partners and ends with Medway Pride on Saturday 21st August 2021.
The event is free to attend but we will be issuing tickets to control the numbers attending which will be capped at 1500. It is a family event so every part of the community is invited to attend. We have been approached by voluntary organisations who support young carers and those that support young people from various support groups. We will of course have people of all ages attending the event you you are also welcome to attend.
You can keep up to date via our website www.medwaypride.co.uk or you can listen to Medway Pride Radio at www.medwayprideradio.co.uk
LICENSING ACT 2003:
Application for Premises Licence
Take notice that Medway Pride CIC has made an application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 for a new premises licence for Land on Doust Way, Rochester, Kent. ME1
The application is for : Entertainment, Live Music, Recorded Music & Dance
This application has been made to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership, Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU. Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01474 337434. Full details of the application and plans can be viewed at Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU during normal hours of business
Any interested party who wishes to make a representation about this application should do so in writing to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend Kent DA12 1AU, or by sending an email to li*******@***********ov.uk. no later than 07 July 2021
It is an offence, under section 158 of the licensing act 2003, to make a false Statement in or in connection with this application. Those who make a false Statement may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of any amount.
Last Updated: 12/06/2021 by Hilary Cooke 1 Comment
In Memory of Pulse
Pulse 5 Years Later
https://everytownsupportfund.org/pulse-5-years-later/
On June 12, the nation will mark five years since the tragedy in Orlando. This serves as a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made since the shooting, pause to honor the lives of the 49 people who were shot and killed and many more forever changed, and recommit to honoring them with action.
A coalition of organizations made up of QLatinx, The LGBT+ Center Orlando, the OnePulse Foundation, Equality Florida, Equality Federation Institute, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is teaming up to elevate events happening locally in Orlando and create opportunities for people to engage nationally in the remembrance. On June 12, the coalition will host a National Discussion on the tragedy at Pulse streaming on Facebook or Twitter at 5:00pm ET followed by a National Moment of Silence at 6:00pm ET.
Posted: 09/06/2021 by Hilary Cooke 1 Comment
Pride Blog
IT’S PRIDE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Pride season (for those going ahead) starts here.
The questions I hear most often at this time of year are ‘Do we really need another pride?’ or my favourite ‘When is straight pride?’
I’ll try to explain, so please bear with me.
Looking up Pride in the dictionary….pride is:
Last night I walked into The Ship Inn by myself. It was the first time I had entered a pub alone in 16 years. I bought a drink, had a laugh with the bartender (he’s a keeper!), sat in the beer garden and relaxed in the evening sun.
So why the 16 year break? Well last night I was dressed as me, nothing riotous (except the heels!), The Ship Inn is a safe space, and, just by being there, I expressed all 4 of the dictionary definitions.
I can’t walk into a pub alone in ‘boy mode’. I just can’t, I think everyone is staring at me and I don’t feel safe. Yes, I know how this sounds but it is true.
Having a space in which you can just be, like The Ship Inn, allows you to feel a sense of being, and that fosters a sense of pride. If I was ‘straight, cis etc’, that would be almost any pub, almost any festival, almost any parade… you start to get the idea.
So, it’s not really too much to suggest a pride season is it? But here is the thing, as I sat in the beer garden, I watched straight boys chatting up straight girls, people of unknown sexuality, gender, social orientation, they were all just being themselves, and while a couple were being way too much themselves by 11pm, it was relaxed and fun. Everyone was welcome.
Not all pubs are like this, not all events include all the community… So straight pride happens every damn day, and, hell yes, we need Prides. With the attacks that our community is seeing at the moment I’m going to suggest we need them now more than any time in the last quarter of a century.
So please follow any advice you are given if you are attending a Pride, keep safe and enjoy pride season! We will be blogging the good and the bad about Pride here all summer!
And one more thing, it’s never just the LGBT+ community that has been disrespected, marginalised, treated differently based on an inherent characteristic. There are many people who find themselves feeling like that, and as the straight boys and girls found out at The Ship, it’s a welcoming place where you are automatically considered an ally……. Just like pride.
See you next week…
Shea – Medway Pride Radio www.medwayprideradio.co.uk
Posted: 17/05/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.
The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions such as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.
Although LGBTQIA+ human rights have improved in some countries the equality rights and injustice still exist and there is still imprisonment and death sentences in many countries around the world for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The TRans & Non-binary community are at the forfront of chalenges to their human & equality rights here in the UK and in the USA, with access to medical treatment being removed or restricted, support and equality rights being challenged in court with the aim of rolling back rights held for over a decade.
We stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in their fight for human and equality rights to bring equity to access services and remove the barriers the community face.
Take a few seconds to say that you care
Today more than ever it is important that “Together, we Resist, Support, and Heal”
Last Updated: 31/03/2021 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
International Transgender Day Of Visability TDOV
Medway Pride & Medway Pride Radio are supporting TDOV though our visability and programing today 31st March 2021.
Why you may ask is TDOV important?
The International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is celebrated on March 31 every year. It was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues. The purpose of TDoV is to recognize the accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people as well as bring attention to their continued struggles. It is an important day for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole and the transgender community in particular.
Members of marginalized groups often have limited exposure to successful people that look like them, be it real-world examples or visibility in the media The transgender community is no exception to that rule.
Their visibility in the media is not only minimal but often used to ridicule and missrepresent the community. Over the past 3 years mainstream media has used Trans people, and Trans Women in particular to drive a push back on Trans peoples equality rights and healthcare for young trans people. Taking out court actions against organisations that are supporting the equality rights of trans people or those providing support to them.
From the stories published in mainstream media you would think that Trans people were all powerful, able to quash the voices of the majority of people and demand health care provision to help reduce gender dysphoria and have treatment provided imediately the next day, Forcing children though a conveyor where they are plied with drugs to change their gender without chance to consider their futures.
The reality is very different!
The reality for Trans people of any age today is living in a society where the media is seen as a toxic force with a government that is not taking action to support trans people and where small but organised groups are using the Trans community as a wedge issue to push back on LGBTQIA+ and womens equality rights.
The reality is if you are a young person in need of support to discuss their gender identity with parents, wider family, friends and peers, you are made to feel ashamed and guilty for being you.
If you are lucky and have a supportive family and you find a supportive GP you will be refered to Child & Adolecent Mental Health Services and then onto the Gender Identity Development Service. This pathway to have your first assesment with a gender specialist take up to 3 years, and that is for the first appointment not to receive medical treatment, this is only available after many assesments by child & adolecent pyscologists and gender specialist. It certainly dose not fit the image of a conveyor belt pushing young people though a process to quickly.
If you are an adult and find the courage to discuss your gender identity with family and friends and found the support to ask your GP for help you will come across barriers to access treatment, your GP may not feel able to treat you, if they do refer you to the adult NHS gender service you will find yourself on a 3 to 4 year waiting list for a first apointment. and once you manage to navigate to the appointment you will need to progress through a process that can take another 3 to 5 years to complete your journey. A decade of you life on waiting lists while dealing with life in what can appear to be an hostile environmentn.
The majority are supportive!
When you find the courage and support to be yourself, you will be supprised to find out the the majority of people are supportive of the community. The majority are busy living their own lives and are not bothered about the concerns about which toilet people use, or what services they can access. They may not totally understand why trans people are trans but they are not transphobic.
This is why TDOV is important today. It gives members of the Trans community and others a chance to see that you can live, be happy and successful and a Trans person. It gives Allies a chance to show their support for the community and all this helps those who may need support to not be scared, to find organisation that can support them, and take that first step to live as their true selves.
To the Trans community I say, I see you, I stand with you, I will support you.
To our Allies I say be visable, be vocal in your support, help educate your friends and work mates.
To everyone, take the time to find out more about communities from the communities, talk to them and avoid those who spread hate and conspiracies theories
Hilary Cooke
CEO Medway Gender & Sexual DIversity Centre
Chair Medway Pride
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This website is managed by Medway Pride CIC to promote Medway Pride events and services for the LGBTQI
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