The Channel Islands will be celebrating all things LGBTQA+ this weekend as CI Pride comes to Guernsey.
With the pandemic having forced Pride events around the world to move online, Guernsey is possibly the only place in the British Isles to host a Pride parade so far this year.
There’s not just a parade to look forward to, either. This year’s schedule of events includes family-friendly drag queen story time, a dedicated church service, a cabaret evening and an after party at Fusion.
“As far as I’m aware, we are the only Pride event happening in the British Isles so far this year, and perhaps Europe, but I couldn’t say for sure”, said Ellie Jones of Liberate Guernsey.
“While I wouldn’t say it’s a weight on our shoulders, we do see it as an opportunity to show what Guernsey has to offer and what a great place it is to celebrate Pride. We’re so lucky to live here, not just because of the situation with Covid, but because we enjoy an open and tolerant society”.
CI Pride, which takes place from 11-13 September, is organised by Liberate, the Channel Islands’ LGBTQ+ charity.
While Guernsey’s travel restrictions mean that many Jersey supporters won’t be able to attend, they will be able to enjoy live-streamed events. However, just under 100 Isle of Man visitors are expected to join the party thanks to the Isle of Man air bridge.
Allies are welcome
Channel Islands Pride 2020 welcomes allies of the LGBTQA+ community. In fact, even those who might not yet consider themselves allies are encouraged to go along to find out more.
“Come along and find out that we’re just like everyone else. We encourage everyone to come and see that we’re normal, boring people – although, we’re not so boring during Pride”, said Ellie.
“The LGBTQ community wouldn’t have been able to win their rights were it not for the help of allies, so allies are really important to us. Come along, ask questions, though make sure they’re not intrusive. If it’s not something you’d ask a grandma, don’t ask it. Be respectful.”
Good allies stand in solidarity with the community outside of Pride too, said Ellie, who urges people to call out homophobia, bi-phobia and transphobia when they see it.
“Don’t do it in an aggressive way, just say that we don’t use certain language anymore. Often, people don’t want to offend, so give them the tools to talk about LGBTQ people in a respectful and inclusive way”.
CI Pride 2020 Parade
The weekend’s main event kicks off at 2pm in Candie Gardens on Saturday 12 September. There’ll be Zumba at 2.15pm, plus face painting, kids activities and live music.
At 4pm the Pride Parade winds its way down Smith Street and through the centre of town towards Market Square. Marchers will hold up a 50-metre rainbow flag, plus a new flag containing the flags of 10 identities, including non-binary, trans and bi-sexual.
Market Square Pride Party
From 5-9pm, Market Square will be a hive of activity, with live music from Liberate’s own Rainbow Chorus Choir, cabaret star Ivy Paige, and headline act Kalon Rae. Plus, it’s all free to watch.
The Streat will be serving food, drinks and running Pride bars in Market Square, Inner street and HMV. While Taylors, Mylk, Chefan and The Raw Store will offer food.
The after parties
There’ll be an under-18s silent disco Market Buildings from 9pm to 11pm, and the official (over-18s) Pride After Party at Fusion nightclub. Tickets are required for both events.
Not ready for the party to be over? On Sunday 13 September, there’ll be the Post Pride BBQ at the Peninsula Hotel. Booking is required.
Extra events
On Friday 11 September, enjoy a cabaret evening at the Peninsula Hotel featuring special guest Ivy Paige, a comedian and burlesque star and former contestant on The Voice UK.
Also on Friday, take the kids to the Drag Queen Story Hour UK Pizza Party, 4-6pm, at Les Douvres, where Aida H Dee will read stories and there’ll be a pizza buffet. Booking essential for both events.