LGBTQ+ artwork, workshops, music, festivals, performances, dancing, history and even a Panto have all received funding from the council’s Pride Fund for 2025.
Over 30 local organisations applied for the Southwark Pride funding pot, launched earlier this year to support events and activities that celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identity, culture, histories and rights.
Of these, 17 projects were successful and were awarded grants towards their activities. The events that got the funding are taking place over June, Pride month, but also into July and August, creating a summer of Pride celebrations in Southwark.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, said: “With the results of the 2021 census showing that Southwark has one of the largest populations of LGBTQ+ people in England, it was very important for us to be able to offer this funding for a second year.
“I am so pleased we had so many fantastic applications and I think we have selected some great events that will support our LGBTQ+ residents in a wide range of communities this year.
“In particular I am pleased we have been able to offer funding to Southwark’s own Pride event and I am looking forward to seeing that, and all the other events and activities taking place around the borough this summer.”
Caroline George, from the Pride in Southwark organising committee and the London LGBTQ+ Centre, said: "Southwark has one of the largest and most diverse LGBTQ+ populations in the UK, so it's fantastic for our local grassroots pride march to receive this recognition and support from the council - and alongside so many other fabulous projects too!
“Pride in Southwark 2025 will be an open, inclusive space for the whole community to connect and build networks, and we're looking for local people and organisations to run stalls, share their work, volunteer and march with us. So please do join us on June 28th in Mint Street Park and get in touch if you'd like to help shape the day!"
Robin Paley Yorke of Seemia Theatre, said: “Seemia Theatre CIC and Copla Cabaret are really excited to be offering this series of workshops. At a time when our LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing increased hate-crime, we hope the Copla Cabaret workshops provide a space to play, celebrate and come together as a community.”
Details of the successful events, and other Pride activities taking place around the borough, will be available on the council’s Southwark Presents what’s on pages.
Anyone holding an event this year can promote it for free on the council’s website, just go to www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents and click on the ‘Add Your Event’ link, making sure to mark up that it is a Pride event.
Groups who would like to find out more about council funding can visit the website at www.southwark.gov.uk/engagement-and-consultations/grants-and-funding or visit the council funded Community Southwark’s “Find Funding” page. They also offer advice with making grant applications.