Pride Month is celebrated officially in June, with the month chosen because it's when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969. And now, worldwide, the month is used to honour and support the LGBTQ+ community.
As well as being a month for celebration, a platform to highlight those from the community, Pride Month also stands as a way of protesting about the discrimination and violence that still arises today, whilst raising awareness to the wider public.
One of the biggest celebrations for Pride Month that takes place in Bristol is the Pride Festival, which this year will span two weeks. The huge Pride parade will also be back on July 9, after a Covid-19 hiatus.
READ MORE: Bristol Pride Festival 2022: Dates, events and tickets as event to make huge comeback
This year's festival will see events take place in venues across Bristol from Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10. It will be even more special as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK.
Organisers say the event will feature multiple stages and will attract some of the biggest names in live music and entertainment. It's also set to showcase new and emerging talent including performances from local artists and community groups.
Other events over the two week festival include Pride Night after-parties, the Dog Show, Comedy Night, Circus Night and the Queer Vision Film Festival. Here are some other ways to get involved with Pride Month and support Bristol's LGBTQ+ community this June:
Gay Communism and Queer Utopias
Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Easton, BS5 6AW
Bristol Queerants is a new queer/feminist discussion group which explores writing on gender and sexuality. They say that "things get radical at Bristol Queerants" as they explore gay communism and queer utopias through theory and sci-fi.
The groups happen on a regular basis and are open to all - more information can be found here.
Free Guided Walking Tour: LGBTQ History in Redcliffe
Freshford House, Redcliffe, BS1 6AL
LGBTQ historian, curator and author Andrew Foyle will be leading a short guided lunchtime walk, where you will discover just a few of the many stories presenting an alternative and sometimes surprising history of the city, ranging from 18th century to the present day.
More information can be found here.
ESDR presents Baga Chipz
The Fleece, 12 Saint Thomas Street, Redcliffe, BS1 6JJ
Drag Race UK contestant Baga Chipz performs live this June at The Fleece, Bristol with a stunning array of guest artists to be announced. More information can be found here.
Women & Queer Femme Circle + Active meditation through ecstatic dance
Bristol School of Yoga, 16 Backfields Lane, Saint Paul's, BS2 8QW
Women, queer femme & non binary individuals are invited to join a 'sacred sharing circle & active meditation workshop' with the topic of self blame and guilt. More information can be found here.
