EACH June, parades, rallies, parties and demonstrations are held around the world to mark Pride month – the annual event that pays tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots. What's happening in the North-East and North Yorkshire? 

Sunderland landmarks such as Penshaw Monument, the Northern Spire bridge, The Beacon of Light, Keel Square, Hylton Castle, the white lighthouse at Seaburn, Fulwell Mill, Market Square and High Street West were all lit up in the colours of the rainbow flag on Tuesday evening, June 1. 

From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, to the same-sex couples marriage act of 2013, Pride has long been vital in paving the way for progression – recognising the need for equal rights for people of all genders and sexual orientations.

Pride Month is a celebration of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LGBT+) diversity in the city, recognising the acceptance of same-sex marriages and legal protections for gay couples and families.

It also highlights the need for anti-discrimination laws and transgender rights among other LGBT+ related causes.

Aside from being a political event though, it’s also a moment to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come – and you don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ community to get involved.

But due to the pandemic and restrictions on large events, many physical celebrations have been cancelled this year. 

This includes Northern Pride, hosted by Gok Wan will join Miss Rory, which instead has moved online and will take place in July. 

Also taking place in July is Durham's Pride event, though this will be ticketed. 

Meanwhile Hart Gables LGBT, based on Teesside, urged followers on social media to keep their eyes peeled for up and coming events over the next few weeks. No events have yet been announced. 

Here ways you can celebrate Pride Month across the North-East and North Yorkshire this June: 

Get involved in Middlesbrough Pride, June 2

 

For a number of years, Middlesbrough has gone without pride events, but organisers this year are trying to make it happen. 

You can go along to Middlesbrough's first pride meeting where organisers will be getting started with event planning.

If you don't want an organising role but do want to support the event, there is also a fundraising page where you can donate.

Click here to find out more.

Attend York Pride, June 5 

North Yorkshire's 'biggest annual LGBT+ celebration', York Pride, is taking place virtually this weekend. 

Join organisers for comedy, vocals and impressions of the world’s biggest divas, as well as buckets of Pride energy!

Meanwhile, throughout the week leading up to York Pride, drag performers from Drag Queen Story Hour UK will be telling a range of kids bedtime stories, showing the world that being different is not a bad thing.

To find out more, click here.

Take part in a focus group, June 7 and 9 

If you're interested in LGBTQIA+ arts and events or are an Artist/Creative/Professional working in the sector and would like to contribute to the development of LGBTQIA+ culture across the North, Curious Arts would love to hear from you at an upcoming focus group.

Some groups took place in May but there are two sessions left: Monday, June 7, 1pm to 2.45pm for all areas and Wednesday, June 9, 6pm to 7.45pm for those based in the Tees Valley.

To find out more, click here. 

Help to organise Darlington Pride, June 13

Darlington Pride Weekender organisers are looking for help in planning Darlington's 2021 event - 'because Pride about everyone in our community, all of us'.

Organisers are working with local authorities to explore how live Pride events could take place safely in the Market Square and in South park during Darlington Pride Weekend, which runs from August 7 to 9. 

A Zoom meeting is being held on June 13 at 5pm for anyone who would like to help to organise the event. To find out more, click here.

 

Watch a screening of Pride, June 24

As part of Pride Month, Skipton Town Hall, North Yorkshire, is screening the movie Pride. 

Inspired by an extraordinary true story, Pride is set in summer 1984, the National Union of Mineworkers is on strike, prompting a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists to support the striker's families.

Initially rebuffed by the Union, the group identifies a tiny mining village in Wales and sets off to make their donation in person.

The film is rated 15.

To find out more, click here.

Watch a screening of Call Me by Your Name, June 26

As part of Pride Month, Skipton Town Hall is also screening the movie Call Me by Your Name, rated 15.

It's the summer of 1983, and precocious 17-year-old Elio Perlman is spending the days with his family at their 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy.

He soon meets Oliver, a handsome doctoral student who's working as an intern for Elio's father. Amid the sun-drenched splendour of their surroundings, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.

To find out more, click here.