A Forth Valley pride event is in the planning stages, with local organisations launching a consultation to find out what the people of Forth Valley want the event to look like. A survey from Creative Stirling, LGBT Youth Scotland and the University of Stirling has opened, and locals are encouraged to offer their views to help shape what will be the inaugural Forth Valley pride event. It is hoped that Forth Valley will see a program of Pride events in 2024, based on the results of the consultation.
Open since last week, the consultation already has nearly seventy responses. It will remain open until 12th October. Creative Stirling are hosting a box for physical copies of the survey to be posted into in their King Street shop Made in Stirling. The University of Stirling also gave students an opportunity to fill in the survey at their Fresher’s Fayre.
Commenting, Joe Hall, Director of Creative Stirling, said:
“We have been working closely with LGBT Youth Scotland over the last year and Forth Valley Pride has been something that has been raised by the young people we have been working with. Giving our local LGBTQIA+ community a platform to make choice on where and how Pride events and activities take place in our local area is a priority for us. We have been delighted to see so many people engaging with the consultation so far and excited for what this could bring for Forth Valley region. It’s been wonderful working in partnership with both local and national organisations to bring this forward and encourage businesses, organisations, and individuals in the Forth Valley area to get involved.”
Jill Stevenson, Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Director of Student Services at the University of Stirling said:
“Creating an inclusive environment that supports our staff and students is a priority for the University of Stirling. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to work with local partners to promote this initiative and we’re excited to collaborate on an event that will celebrate our LGBT+ community.”
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘Pride is an important time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and to draw attention to the work that is still required. Most areas of Scotland have their own pride events, so it’s about time Stirling and Forth Valley had one too. I am so pleased that local organisations are taking such proactive steps to bring Pride to Forth Valley, and it’s great to see such a strong response so far. I will do everything I can to support this event, and I encourage everyone to answer this survey – it’s important that the events that are planned reflect what the community wants. This is your opportunity to help shape Forth Valley’s first Pride.
To fill in the survey, visit Made in Stirling or use this link: https://forms.office.com/e/FA8YJi6iuq
