New online pride event launched for first time

Cardiff's traditional pride event attracted 15,000 people last year, organisers said

A new Welsh pride event is taking place online for the first time.

Organisers LGBTQymru said with communities feeling "disconnected and dispersed" due to coronavirus restrictions, Wales Wide Virtual Pride was a chance to show solidarity.

This event, running on Friday and Saturday, includes virtual events, including live music, panel discussions, quizzes and speeches.

Politicians, including First Minister Mark Drakeford, are involved.

Bleddyn Harris, of LGBTQymru, said: "Pride, be it the more traditional, regional prides, or our more current virtual spaces, is important to the LGBTQ+ communities, because it's a space in which we have the full permission to be ourselves, sometimes for the first time.

"Pride season with its events throughout the season are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar.

"And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those coronavirus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity."

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The digital format will be different to the thousands who usually attend pride events in Cardiff, Swansea and elsewhere in Wales.

But organisers hope the format and social media will allow them to reach less represented people.

"If only one person - say, someone from a more rural area of Wales and who hasn't been to a more traditional Pride - tunes in and it helps make them feel proud, seen, and represented, we've done our job," said Mr Harris.

With coronavirus putting paid to large gatherings, LGBTQymru said it was still important a positive message was spread.

"So many of us feel we must censor ourselves so that we can exist in the parameters society would prefer we fit into," said Mr Harris.

Pride Cymru, who were forced to cancel their event in Cardiff due to coronavirus restrictions, is now planning a "virtual big week" in August.