Friday, 4th September 09

The Pride in Brighton & Hove trustees would like to invite everyone to this year’s 4^th annual Pride feedback event, on the 6th of October 2009, 6-8pm at The Queens Hotel, 1-5 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NS. Pride in Brighton & Hove, this year is committed to a fundamental review of what it does and how. As part of this process, we are hosting an event that will address some of the pressing core questions, including:

Politics:

• Do we still need Pride....at all?
• Is Pride in Brighton & Hove a party or a statement...or both?
• Why not make the Pride park and parade event for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people only (how would this be controlled)?
• What is the place of Pride in speaking to LGBT people?
• What is the place of Pride in educating non LGBT people?
• Why doesn't Pride charge for the park?

Community:

• Do we need winter Pride?
• Do we need a Festival Week of events for summer Pride?
• Should Pride be scaled down?
  • How would you ‘scale down’ Pride in Brighton & Hove?
  • What would you take off the park if it came to it?
  • Why be a member of Pride?

Fundraising and spending

• How can Pride raise money from those who come to the park/parade?
• Should Pride use bucket collectors?
• Should Pride charge for entry? (What implications would this have on the costs for the park event?, Capacity on the park etc.)
• How can businesses be encouraged/made to give to Pride when they benefit financially from the event?
• What should memberships offer for people to sign up?
• Should there be an entry charge for certain tents?
• Why do the food stalls charge so much... do Pride get any of this income?
• What does Pride make from the market stalls?
• What is the place of sponsors, media partners?
• Does Pride in Brighton & Hove need paid staff? How many?

Pride trustees and staff are inviting everyone who is involved in Pride, from creating an event, float or tent through to attending Pride events to talk about what you think, what you like and what to keep, what could be changed and to find out how to get involved and make a difference. We will also report back on what happened to the suggestions from last year’s feedback event.

All are welcome; please note that this will be a public forum. Please RSVP via email to or ring the office on 01273 775939.

The venue is fully accessible however please contact the Pride office if you have any access needs by Monday 28^th September at the latest.

If you cannot make the event but would like to have your say you can email or phone the office. Where possible your views will be noted at the meeting.

END

For more information please contact: Pride in Brighton & Hove

Judith Manson, Fundraising and Communications Manager

E:

Tel: 01273 775939

For press images please contact: REALBrighton.com:

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

       I.            Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) lives to which everyone is welcome.  We use the carnival parade and main park event to showcase the diversity and contribution that all people make as part of the LGBT community of Brighton and Hove and spread the message that sexual and gender discrimination are not acceptable. We believe homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and discrimination of any kind against LGBT people in Brighton and Hove or elsewhere have no place in today’s society.

     II.            Pride is a registered charity run by a board of voluntary trustees and a small staff team and supported by hundreds of volunteers. We work throughout the year to deliver the carnival parade and main park event, as well as other education and awareness raising activities and events.