Oakham's first Pride event is seeking local people to join this inclusive event, set to go ahead in June.

The organising committee of Oakham Pride are looking for local businesses, individuals and venues who would be interested in becoming a part of the first ever Oakham Pride event on Saturday the 25th of June.

Abii Lavery, head chair and founder of LGBT+ in Oakham and Rutland is organising the innovative new event and has shared with us the journey that Oakham's LGBT+ group has taken to get this far.

Abii created the group in June 2021 during the summer break before her third year of University. Her aim was to create a space for the local LGBT+ community in Oakham to come together and feel accepted. She achieved just that and much more.

The Facebook page received an incredibly positive reaction from the community and allies, swiftly gaining over 200 followers. Through the page, friendships have been formed and a fresh community has come to the forefront of Oakham's already thriving society.

Abii commented that: "Many people who joined the Facebook group LGBT in Oakham and Rutland were shocked that there were so many LGBTQ+ people in the area and were so happily surprised, and that in itself shows change needs to be made!"

Both to solidify the place of the LGBT+ group in Oakham and to instigate the change about which she speaks, Abii decided to begin talks about putting an event together, to be called Oakham Pride.

First things first, she had to build a strong team to help her develop this exciting new venture.

Abii said: "I've been so lucky to find people to bring into the committee that share my vision and goal to make history in Rutland!"

"I'm Abii Lavery, head chair and founder of LGBT in Oakham and Rutland, my pronouns are she/her and my role essentially covers all business aspects of putting the Pride event together as well as overseeing everyone else in the committees roles.

"Danny Lavery is my brother (he/him), the first person I contacted when I realised I should probably not try and plan this on my own! We are both part of the LGBTQ+ community and he is deputy chair. Having previously worked with Leicester LGBT Centre I knew he would make a great addition.

"Lucy Slessor (she/her) is our entertainment officer within the committee and has an abundance of creative contacts under her belt as well as being an incredible talent and long running experience in entertainment, hosting and performing, herself!

"Councillor Lucy Stephenson (she/her) organises feast day in Uppingham and covers the legal aspects within the committee as well as offering great first-hand experience with event planning in our county, during my first meeting with her very early on I was so pleased with her enthusiasm for this event.

"Anthony Marvin (he/him) brings in experience through the LGBTQ+ charity he founded in Melton."

"Ritzy (him/her) is an incredible drag queen who has run many nights in London and is the hostess of embrace events which goes ahead once a month at the Ostrich Inn, as well as monthly at Charters (both in Peterborough). She is an incredible asset to the team!"

This committee are in the process of organising Oakham's first Pride event and are keen to communicate that the fair is one of inclusivity and celebration.

They are reaching out to local businesses, individuals, venues and bands who are interested in getting involved.

They already have a handful of stalls confirmed, both local business and those from slightly farther afield. These include businesses and charities such as Peppers, Trade Sexual Health and Leicester LGBT Centre, as well as local businesses and other charities.

While plans for the Pride event are not yet detailed, the team hope to have local sellers and businesses in attendance, selling with and supporting the LGBT+ community, as well as venues hosting live music. They also plan to have food and drinks available throughout the day and evening, ensuring that revellers can party on and enjoy the free event.

Committee member, Lucy has said: "Please get in touch if you are interested. If you would like to join in with the event in other ways, we have a selection of plans for the day. For example, we hope to run a best dressed shop window competition to become the first on our Pride Award Shield. On top of the search for local businesses and venues, we are also looking for entertainment venues that would be happy to host bands and performers as a part of our evening celebrations."

Abii concluded by saying: "My hopes for Oakham Pride is that it shows the LGBTQ+ community in Rutland, young and old, that we are here and not only proud, but refuse to fade into the background for the sake of making others 'comfortable'.

"For Oakham itself, I'd like to think this event will make it a more modern place of diversity and acceptance. Some people were confused why we needed a Pride in Oakham, saying "leave it to the big cities", and even claiming an event "just for gay people" is the opposite of inclusivity, but this misunderstanding is exactly why we need Oakham Pride. It should be an event for the people, BY the people.

"This event is meant to educate everybody about the vast kaleidoscope of beautiful people that make up our small county."

To find out more about Oakham Pride or to get involved yourself, click the 'Nub It' button at the top of our website.