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A LGBTQ+ group leader said there is more acceptance of its community since Pride began in the Channel Islands 10 years-ago.
Before Pride started, CEO of Liberate Guernsey Ellie Jones said there was a sense of “shame” for islanders who often felt unable to express their true selves.
“People have said they have left the island when they were younger because they thought it was slightly homophobic or they didn’t fit in,” said Ms Jones.
“To then come back to experience Pride, to be walking down the high street, that emotion of feeling you are accepted and included and not ostracised is the biggest shift.”
Ms Jones said: “I think we kind of underestimate the power of being able to see your community embrace you.”
The first Pride event was held in Jersey in 2015 and the year after it was held in Guernsey.
Ms Jones said organisers of the first Pride event only expected a few hundred attendees, but instead they welcomed thousands.
She said between 2,000 and 3,000 islanders took part in the first year and this has grown to about 8,000 attendees.
‘Feel safe’
Ms Jones said there had been a noticeable rise in anti-LGBTQ groups around the world in the last 12 months, and highlighted the importance of hosting similar events.
“It just goes to show how Pride is still needed and for people to understand and accept people in the community,” added Ms Jones.
“People are allowed to celebrate who they are, and we don’t need to hide anymore or feel shameful about who we are.
“Pride may be the one-day couples feel safe holding hands in the street.”
Kaye Nicholson, CEO of Liberate Jersey thanked the dedicated voluntary work of the Channel Island Pride team for putting on the Pride events, adding there was a wonderful celebratory atmosphere at for its 10th anniversary earlier this month.
She said: “At a time when our LGBTQ+ community are seeing a rollback of rights around the world, this was a vital demonstration of support, love and acceptance by our wider local community.
“Thank you to everyone who joined as attendees, volunteers, performers, valued community partners and allies.”
