Vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community are being offered a safe space this Christmas.
Chester Pride is offering a free Christmas buffet to those who are facing the festive period alone, as well as to those who are worried about the cost that comes with the month of December.
The event, which is open to those across Merseyside, aims to bring together the community for “food, cheesy Christmas films, classic games, music and craft activities” during one of the most difficult times of the year for vulnerable queer people.
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Warren Lee Allmark, chair of Chester Pride, told the ECHO: “No one should be alone in general, it takes two minutes to introduce yourself to a neighbour or a simple hello and a smile to someone in the street or by themselves in a coffee shop. That being said, members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be alone due to parents disowning them because of who they love or how they identify and others choose to be alone because they can not be their true selves around people who may not know how they wish to identify.”
This will be the group's 3rd year of running such an event. In previous years it has had a number of people from the older LGBTQ+ generations who “have lost their partners and have no family”. This year the group are expecting their highest turnout yet due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and “the issues people are facing” as a result of it.
Warren added: “A large number of LGBTQ+ people are kicked out of the family home or disowned by friends and family so often they form new families with members of the community and allies so that they have help, advice and support. Not everyone is able to do this and that is why we will always try to help people. Due to the current crisis, we are changing the day from a traditional sit-down hot meal to a hot and cold buffet so that people can help themselves to foods and drinks they wish to eat along with lots of festive entertainment.”
The event will take place in Chester city centre however, the location is not publicised because of safety issues and to allow those who are not openly LGBTQ+ to feel safe to join.
If you are LGBQT+ and in need this Christmas, you can book a place at the free Christmas meal by contacting Chester Pride via email: info@chesterpride.co.uk. The booking is required to be made before Sunday, December 18.
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