THIS MONTH Pride In Liverpool is back on the streets, with the theme #BeHeard. Why not show your solidarity and join other Christians At Pride?
On Saturday 27th July, the Open Table communities on Merseyside, and people from St Bride’s, along with other local inclusive churches, will march, and host a community stall. On Sunday 28th, a reflective service in the Lady Chapel of Liverpool Cathedral at 6.00pm will round off Pride weekend.
You, your friends, family and congregation members are very warmly invited to join in the march! Christians at Pride is a collaboration of groups nationally which exists to provide a joyful, loving, inclusive, ecumenical Christian presence at Pride festivals. Whether you're young or old, catholic or evangelical, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, or straight, you'd be so welcome to come and join in!
Each year the festival takes a theme and this year it is #BeHeard. You’re invited to come as you are no matter what your ethnicity, gender, sexuality, belief, or however you define yourself, in celebration of equality and diversity and in the knowledge that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Feel free to dress or bring placards/banners to express yourself on this theme.
How do I join in?
1 - Let us know you’re coming: Contact Warren ASAP by email: liverpool@opentable.lgbt to let us know if you’d like to march, and if you’ll be bringing friends, family or folk from your church or community. Do please let us know you are coming so we can send details of where the group will muster, times and the march route. It can be extremely difficult to find a group amongst tens of thousands of marchers. We can also share accessibility details when supplied by the festival.. We're expecting a large group so we'll gather from 10.30am. This gives the stewards time to get the march organised. The march begins at midday until 1-1.30pm, from St George's Hall to the Pier Head.
Here’s a flyer to download and share with friends and on your social media.
If you're anxious about taking part let us know and we'll match you up with a 'buddy' from the Open Table community which may help to make this more accessible for you.
2 - What to wear: Come as you are - be as fabulous as you want and comfortable as you can. If you want options:
Buy an Open Table t-shirt for £15 See images right
If you are ordained, please consider wearing your dog collar and/or a stole/scarf. Rainbow collars optional!
3 - Bring a placard with you! Make placards at home and bring them along. We’ll also bring some with us from previous years to share on the day.
4 - Help out on the Open Table stall: We will host a stall in the community zone. If you could spare an hour or two to help between 10.30am and 6pm on Saturday 27th July, let us know - email liverpool@opentable.lgbt. Please let us know, it would be a huge help. If you don’t fancy marching, you could staff the stall between 10.30am and 1pm if you like.
5 - Make a Donation: The Pride Festival in Liverpoolis free to enter and is organised by a Charity. If you can, please make a donation by clicking here. All donations received during the month of July through this online campaign will be given to LCR Pride Foundation and used ot offset costs e.g. paying for our stall, registering to march etc.
6 - BeHeard for Pride @ Liverpool Cathedral, a service of reflection, prayer and anointing Sunday 28th July 6.00pm in the Lady Chapel. Visit Liverpool Cathedral's website for more details.
7 - Extend the invitation: If you know of any other people or churches who would love to show their support please extend the invitation or send their details to us and we’ll do it for you
Why is Pride in Liverpool at this time?
Pride in Liverpool is held on the nearest weekend to the anniversary of the day Merseyside teenager Michael Causer died, following a brutal homophobic attack, on 2nd August 2008. A vigil will be held at 6pm on August 2nd at One Knowsley. Click here for details.
We look forward to welcoming you #ComeAsYouAre.