Pride in Ely "has an important job" after increasing attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, a trustee has said.
Author and trustee for the Pride in Ely charity Sarah Marsh said the event is vital in supporting LGBTQ+ people and "educating the rest of society" to accept diversity.
Pride in Ely is set to take place this Saturday August 3 between 10am and 9.30pm, featuring a range of performances, a speech from the Mayor of Ely, Chris Phillips, and an awards ceremony.
Sarah said: "Following right-wing extremism, things have become more difficult for LGTBQ+ people.
"For people who are questioning themselves or not yet open in public, having an environment where they feel safe and able to live openly as themselves is so important and can be critical. The rates of self-hate, self-harm and suicide are frighteningly high.
"As a society we need to do far better in accepting people and treating people fairly and equally."
She added: "Pride in Ely has a really important job in supporting LGTBQ+ people in our community and educating the rest of society to accept variations as part of the tapestry of nature."
Pride in Ely, formerly known as Ely Pride, was born when five people gathered together in 2016 and decided they needed to take action to support LGTBQ people in the area.
Alison Whelan, Christine Whelan, Clair Giannandrea, Fritha Love and Ariane Richardt formed the charity on December 19, 2016.
- RECOMMENDED READING: Kite Trust Trans Joy Is Real campaign ahead of Pride in Ely
- RECOMMENDED READING: We all share the same family bond’ - local dads publish new LGBTQ+ children’s book
Sarah who authored 'Transcending Boundaries', a book that brings together 50 trans stories, and currently serves as diversity officer for the Liberal Democrats, was invited to become a trustee of Pride in Ely after attending a recent social event.
She said: "Ely Pride occasionally has social evenings. They posted an invitation to join one of these events which I attended and was made so welcome.
"Since coming out and transitioning, I have lost most of my relationships with people and this was the first time I felt safe and supported.
"Keeping in contact with my new friends, I was invited as a guest to one of their meetings and was later had the honour of being invited to be a trustee."
She added: "Almost every LGTBQ+ person I know has faced hate and abuse at some point. Society has become much more divisive in recent times, making safety a concern for many of us, especially those that stand out as looking different.
"As a trans woman and part of the LGTBQ+ community, I am constantly in fear of the extremism and hate which I come across regularly on social media, during my transition, and in real life.
"Having an environment in and around Ely where LGTBQ+ people feel safe and feel that those in positions of power see them, and support them, is so important, especially with all of the negativity we have around us.
"Many of us dream of the day that pride events are not necessary, where we are all accepted for who we are instead of having to constantly work so hard on trying to be accepted in society.
"A society where we can all work together and support each other to enjoy this beautiful part of the world together."
For more information visit: www.prideinely.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here