Leeds - Together for Pride 2020
- Date
- Monday 17 - Friday 21 August, 2020
- Category
- LGBT+
Covid-19 has affected many of us, both individually and within the communities of which we are a part. Shortly after lock down begun, it was confirmed that Leeds Pride would unfortunately be postponed until 2021. In response to that news, the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds Arts University have developed a Digital Pride programme that evokes some of Pride’s ethos. It may not be the same as being part of the Pride Parade, with all its sounds and colours, but the organisers hope you will enjoy delving into the programme below, and have a great 'Universities in Leeds - Together for Pride 2020'.
Contents of this page:
Pride History
Pride is a highlight of the year for many in the LGBT+ community, an occasion that brings the diverse richness of the community together for a key point of protest and celebration, and a reminder of the power of standing together in defiance of those who seek to divide. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Leeds Pride, and 50 years since the first Pride march in New York City in 1970. This came one year after the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, when the Stonewall Inn was raided by the police in the early hours and three nights of unrest followed. Lesbians and trans women of colour were some of the key people involved in the act of resistance, including Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson [1].
Perspectives from the LGBT+ staff network
The University's LGBT+ staff network co-chairs shared their perspectives on the relevance of Pride in 2020:
“Pride serves as a reminder that Black queer people are central to the LGBT+ movement, having led the fight for LGBT+ rights from the very beginning and improving the lives of so many LGBT+ people in the face of police brutality. Whilst progress may have been made for white queer people, the brutality facing the Black community continues to this day. It is not progress when Black trans women are being murdered across the world at an alarming rate. Until we are fighting for all LGBT+ people, particularly for Black LGBT+ people, we are not doing enough. We, as a network, need to reflect on how systemic and institutionalised racism is reflected in the LGBT+ community, and upheld by white queer people. We welcome anyone who wants to join us in this work.”- LGBT+ staff network co-chairs
Find out more about the LGBT+ staff network.
LGBT+ staff network
Digital Pride Programme
Starting on Monday 17 August, celebrations of Leeds Pride will be showcased across a range of digital channels. The full programme is below:
Pride Film Festival
The University of Leeds, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Beckett University have collaborated with Hyde Park Picture House to create a self-curating LGBT+ film programme. The programme provides links to more than 25 films, both long and short form, which can be navigated as a personal mini Pride Film Festival.
We are really excited about the programme, with Leeds' friendly, local indie cinema Hyde Park Picture house profiling a new film every day. It includes suggestions from LGBT+ author, musician, poet Rosie Garland (aka Rosie Lugosi); and members of the LGBT+ networks at the three coordinating universities.
Access the full film listing on the University's Medium account.
Hyde Park Picture House have also selected three films they would have liked to screen at the cinema for Pride this year, had that been possible.
What Pride means to you
Our LGBT+ staff, students and alumni have shared their written perspectives on what Pride means to them. Read the short stories on the University's Medium account. You can also hear from Dr. Tiffany R. Holloman, Historian and Sociologist at the University of Leeds, in their article: "From NYC 1970 to Leeds 2020, Pride Transatlantic Style".
Spotify playlist
Colleagues from Leeds Beckett University have set up a "Rainbow over the library” Spotify playlist, with over three hours of music. Access the playlist here.
Pride events in the city
As part of the Friends of Dorothy Silver Pride event, Leeds Beckett collaborated with Friends of Dorothy and Stonewall UK to produce a panel discussion around the importance and relevance of Pride.
On Sunday 16 August, UK Black Pride celebrated turning 15 by hosting a day of live streamed celebrations; alongside a series of virtual rooms.