The co-chairs of the Luton in Pride festival have responded with a defiant message to make the weekend’s celebrations “more queer than ever before” after a third spate of homophobic vandalism saw banners destroyed.
An advertisement for the festival was torn down on Stockwood Road, the third occurence after banners were destroyed on June 12 and June 25.
And while Luton Council and Bedfordshire Police have also called out the damage as a “hate crime”, the Luton Pride organisers are remaining positive.
In a statement, co-chairs Rosie Besnu and Jesse Bryce said: “After a third banner has been destroyed by some determined to undermine a diverse community, we are more defiant and determined than ever to make sure Saturday’s event is bigger, better and more queer than ever before.
“We are asking everyone who supports the LGBTIQ+ community including our allies to attend and send a strong message to our community that you are welcome and loved in Luton.
“A wall is being created for messages of support to be left upon, which then will be turned into art for use at other future events.
“So the message is clear, be proud, be loud and unapologetically you and join us on Saturday 6th July 1pm onwards in the Hat District.”
A joint statement from Luton Council and Bedfordshire Police said: “As we look forward to the Pride in Luton event this weekend we want to remind everyone that Luton is a town where everyone regardless of their background, identity or belief is welcome. It is imperative, that individuals respect the rights of others. Most fair-minded and right-standing people in the town agree with, believe in and live by these principles.
“For this reason, we are committed to calling out and condemning any words or acts within our community that do not uphold these universal human rights and values, such as the recent homophobic vandalism of posters. This amounts to a hate crime and criminal damage.
“Targeting posters in this way is deeply upsetting to any community that is simply informing and inviting people to attend their events if they so wish. In this case, we know it is the tip of the iceberg of prejudice and hatred which members of the LGBTQI+ community still sadly are enduring – in certain cases on a daily basis.
“Luton is, and has to be no place for hate. We will continue to call out such acts of hatred – whoever they target and by whoever they are perpetrated – and by whatever means possible we will investigate them with a view to enforcing legal sanctions and pursuing prosecutions.
“Pride in Luton takes place this weekend (5 and 6 July) and we hope everyone will have a fun and safe time at this wonderful family event.”
The Pride in Luton festival will see the likes of recent winner of Season 5 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, Ginger Johnson headline the stage on Saturday drag performer Mama G will be hosting the main stage having become a household name after appearing on the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent in 2023.
Also on the main stage will be Homoparody Dance Troop, Drag King group Pec’s Drag, Lady Gaga tribute; Born GaGa, Luton Music Mix, and local Luton performer Jamie.
The Pride presenting stage in Hat Gardens will host bands from Barnfield College and Luton Sixth Form, as well as Aida H Dee performing two sessions of Drag Story Time.
For the full listing of what’s on at Pride in Luton go to: https://prideinluton.org/
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