Pride Month June 2020
Published on 02 June 2020 05:41 PM
PRIDE Month June 2020
June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.
What does LGBT mean?
LGBT is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The term sometimes is extended to LGBTQ, or even LGBTQIA, to include queer, intersex and asexual groups.
Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people; intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences; and asexual describes those who don't experience sexual attraction.
These terms may also include gender fluid people, or those whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation.
Due to Covid-19 Pride events across the country have been cancelled or at best postponed. The Northern Pride event due to take place on Newcastle’s Town Moor has been postponed until 23-25 July 2021 and in its place a virtual event will continue on Facebook and YouTube on 18 July 2020.
Where did Pride originate?
Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are.
The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement.
Most Pride events take place each year in June, although some cities hold their celebrations at other times of the year.
Pride events are geared toward anyone who feels like their sexual identity falls outside the mainstream -- although many straight people join in, too.
Where does the rainbow flag originate from?
In 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker was commissioned by San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk -- one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US to make a flag for the city's upcoming Pride celebrations.
Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, gave a nod to the stripes of the American flag but drew inspiration from the rainbow to reflect the many groups within the gay community.
A subset of flags represent other sexualities on the spectrum, such as bisexual, pansexual and asexual.
Northern Pride Online.
On Facebook and YouTube 18th July 2020
- Join in with the Virtual March & listen to the Guest Speakers
- Performances from the main stage, Curious Arts and Be Scene
- Content from the festival zones - Health & Wellbeing, Family & Youth & Sports Zone
- Closing the event with a virtual candlelit vigil
- Official after party with Michael Maddison on Facebook Live
Jamie's story
Ahead of her BBC Radio interview for Pride month we asked Jamie to chat to us about her volunteering work with our Transgender Group which has continued to engage virtually during lockdown.
Jamie McKenna, 63, from North Shields, has been running a fortnightly Whitley Bay-based Transgender support group for older people, with Age UK North Tyneside, for the past eight years.
She helps support trans people from across the North East, as well as those considering transitioning and their families.
Jamie, who made the transition from living as a male to female between 2002 and 2009, when her transition was completed, said: "We are there for anyone who is affected by transgender issues, but we work generally with people in later life."
"We have people who are trans, are considering transitioning and those with certain trans-related issues."
"We have a core group of people who come to most sessions, and others who come and go. We are there if anyone wants to ask questions, has issues, or wants to find out more about specific services they can access."
She added: "Everything you see in the media to do with transgender issues tends to focus on younger people, but I keep saying 'what about older people in the trans community? I feel there are many unheard voices from the older generation".
"There is still prejudice out there - it is a lot more subtle but I still pick up on it. I am always careful where I go - I like to go where I know the people and they know me, it makes life a lot easier."
Jamie knew she was 'different' from aged five, but couldn't come to terms with herself, as anything that wasn't 'white picket fence' was brushed under the carpet.
Jamie has also accessed a wide range of other services provided by Age UK North Tyneside, including help to secure benefits from the charity’s Information and Advice service.
Social groups in North Tyneside for the over 50's LGBT community.
The Transgender group Whitley Bay Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Cost: £2.00
LGBT Group Whitley Bay meets Monthly. Time and location varies - please call for more information
For further information please contact us on 0191 2877012