Frequently Asked Questions
What is Norwich Pride?
It's a fun, free celebration of diversity in the centre of the city. It's organised by LGBT volunteers for the whole community. The main events (stalls, lectures, picnic, parade, parties) are on Saturday 25th July 2009 but Norwich Pride isn't just about one day - it's about inspiring people to feel proud and safe to be themselves throughout their lives.
Why turn Norwich into a Rainbow?
The Rainbow flag is the international symbol of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT) Pride. The original gay-pride flag was hand-dyed by Gilbert Baker and flew in the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. After the assassination of Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978 demand for the rainbow flag greatly increased. We want to fill the streets of Norwich with rainbow colours on 25th July to show the world that Norwich is a vibrant city where everyone can be themselves without fear of being bullied because of who they are or who they fall in love with.
How much will it cost to come along?
The central events that the Norwich Pride Collective are organising are free - this is a true community celebration. There are lots of workshops and events around the main celebrations and you will need to pay for some of these.
What does LGBT stand for?
LGTB stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans
How can I help?
There are a number of ways to participate. If you would like to be involved on a personal level, please email us at norwichpride@hotmail.co.uk - we love to hear ideas.
If you have a business, social group, or community group that you would like to involve in some way,then please get in touch to discuss ideas. You can gain publicity through the event and through inclusion in our leaflet.
Why hasn't there been a Norwich Pride before?
Who knows?! It's amazing that a city the size of Norwich hasn't had a Pride before. There have been some commercial attempts to set ones up and some smaller community events in the past but this is the first time that we've had a Pride on this scale right in the centre of the city. There are over 30 Prides happening across the UK this Summer and we are one of 3 cities celebrating Pride for the first time. The Norwich Pride Collective are working hard to ensure that our Pride is sustainable - we want it to be an annual celebration that grows and grows.
What if I have a problem with Norwich Pride?
Tell us about it! We are a bunch of enthusiastic volunteers - human beings who can make mistakes. If you have a complaint, write to us at Norwich Pride, c/o TEN, 10 Cathedral St, Norwich NR1 ILX or email us at norwichpride@hotmail.co.uk. We will reply within 7 days and do our best to restore your confidence in Norwich Pride.
What's Judy Garland got to do with Pride?
This may be a myth but it's a good one. Judy Garland's funeral was on Friday 27th June 1969 and the gay men who flocked to it were impressed and empowered by the numbers of other gay men they saw there. Later, in the early hours of the morning, when the police did a routine raid on the Stonewall Inn, they fought back and the Gay Movement began. On June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride marches took place in Los Angeles and New York commemorating the anniversary of the riots. Similar marches were organized in other cities. Today, Pride events are held annually throughout the world, usually towards the end of June to mark the Stonewall riots.
