Celebration of Diversity and Equality in Bournemouth

dorset | miscellaneous | news report Friday October 15, 2004 15:17 by NickB

Apologies for the short notice. Bristol activists - gay and straight alike - might be interested to learn of a free equality festival happening down in Brighton

HI all,
This weekend sees the 150th birthday of Oscar Wilde, and tragically one of the biggest anti-gay protests in the UK in a long time. Thankfully the local gay community in Bournemouth have other plans.

The Bourne Free community team have released final details of the proposed celebration of equality and diversity in Bournemouth on Saturday 16th October 2004.

There will be entertainment at Bournemouth Bandstand between 12-4pm, with local singers, and support from local people providing all the elements needed for an unforgettable family and community day out. The lead has been taken by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities but this is an inclusive event for everyone in Bournemouth who has goodwill towards diversity and social inclusion, and wants to celebrate.

More news has also emerged about the circumstances behind the timing of this event. "Well", says Michael Halls of The Intercom Trust, "Oscar Wilde's 150th birthday is a good enough reason to have a party. However, we understand that a flock of really depressing homophobic street preachers are planning to invade Bournemouth that day, preaching gloom and all kinds of nastiness. We thought Bournemouth doesn't deserve this, let's do something positive. Who knows, maybe it'll even cheer up the visitors!

"No violence, no confrontations—people can simply make their own minds up as to which group is more socially responsible and more fun to be with."

The Rev Dwayne Morgan, Pastor of the Bournemouth Metropolitan Community Church remarked, "It is important that we remind ourselves of the effects of exclusion and division in our society. Bourne Free reminds us that we are all indeed born to be free. Unfortunately some segments of society seek to oppress others who are different than they are instead of rejoicing in the wonderful diversity that God made."

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible down here, enjoying the party and showing homophobic bigots a better way to be.

Nick