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Birmingham Pride Big Community Festival
Pupils from Chase Terrace Academy were bursting with pride when they attended the Birmingham Pride Big Community Festival on Friday 24th May.
June is officially LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and to kick off our celebrations at Chase Terrace Academy, a group of 24 pupils travelled to Birmingham City Centre to attend the Birmingham Pride Festival Big Community Event.
The group assembled in Lichfield ready to catch the train to Birmingham adorned with bright and colourful clothing, flags representing various identities from the LGBTQIA+ community and some even wearing rainbow face paint! History teacher, Miss S Lindsey helped add sparkle to the group with her expert glitter face painting.
After arriving in Birmingham, a quick walk led us to Birmingham’s historic Gay Village, marked by a square painted with a giant rainbow! Pupils were able to take in the sights of the upcoming pride weekend celebrations, community venues and artworks celebrating the history of Birmingham’s LGBTQIA+ community including the AIDS memorial statue.
The group were taken aback by the festival site; they were especially impressed by the fun fair and the number of food offerings available. The group cheered, sang and danced along to performances on the main stage (standing in the VIP area at the very front!) from local, and national performers. There was an incredible performance from LGBTQIA+ bhangra group, Bollyqueer as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant, Ginny Lemon, Yshee Black and others representing all corners of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The festival was filled with people of all ages and identities coming together to celebrate pride and send a message of inclusion and tolerance. A candlelit vigil was held to remember those in the community that have fought for the rights that are held today, and those that are no longer with us.
Pupils were able to reflect on the meaning and importance of pride, and the importance of standing up for each other and challenging injustices.
