Teesside University proud to host Pride

This Pride Month, Teesside University is hosting a free festival championing LGBTQ+ communities, celebrating acceptance and promoting wellbeing.

Teesside University Pride will be held on Friday 30 June, featuring a full line-up of guests, activities and events.

As the largest Pride event ever held by the University, it will include:

• A wellbeing walk led by Brengle the Therapy Dog
• Stalls representing a range of LGBTQ+ businesses and organisations as well as Teesside University services
• A literary hour showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ writers such as award-winning poet Aditya Tiwari
• Queer yoga and meditation sessions
• A singing performance by Jade Mia Broadhead
• A DJ and deck mixing workshop by Abby Harris

Skunk Anansie singer and Teesside University honorary graduate Skin has provided a special video message which will be shown during the event, and trans rights activist Ellie Lowther will be attending. Teesside University Pride has been organised by its LGBTQ+ Focus Group, which works to raise awareness around issues affecting the community, address potential barriers and improve experiences for staff and students.

Vik Brown, who is an LGBTQ+ Role Model and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Focus Group at Teesside University, organised the event.

She said: “Teesside University embraces diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all of those who work and study here.

“We are very excited to host this event on campus in order to celebrate Pride together with students, staff and members of the local community.”

Teesside University Pride is being delivered as part of Teesside University’s TU Proud initiative, which celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ role models and allies.

The festival will take place on Friday 30 June, from 11.00am. It is free to attend, and everybody is welcome. Visit the Teesside University website for the full itinerary.

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, which started on 28 June 1969 after police officers raided a gay club in New York City.

LGBTQ+ communities took a stand against the ongoing police harassment they were facing, and the ensuing riots and protests in the US triggered a global campaign for LGBTQ+ rights.

---