LCR Pride Foundation has revealed the theme to its inaugural programme of events, cultural and community activities – Come As You Are.

The theme calls to all people, regardless of where they are from or how they identify, to take pride in their identity and come together in the spirit of friendship, love and respect. The visual representation of the theme features a series of different brushstroke fonts and a rainbow mosaic in the shape of a face, made up from images of those from within the LGBT+ community, along with supporters and allies.

The visual is intended to symbolise collaborative strength, with the brushstrokes highlighting individuality and the presence of people from all walks of life, while he mosaic face represents strength in numbers and a community coming together with a singular voice and purpose.

Designed to underpin its founding principles of inclusivity and collaboration and support its mission to make the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK, the empowering and unifying theme will run through all of the organisation’s events for the 2019/20 season.

The theme was officially revealed to sponsors, partners and performers at a glittering launch event on Thursday 11 April at Love Lane Brewery. LCR Pride Foundation Co-Chairs, Andi Herring and John Bird shared the background to the theme and provided an update on its intention to bid for the Gay Games 2026, as well as revealing a number of brand new initiatives including the LCR Pride Awards, set to take place in October 2019 and LCR Pride Patrons’ Dinner, expected to take place in February 2020.

Their presentations were followed by a special guest appearance from Liverpool singer and songwriter, Daisy Gill. Daisy performed to a packed room, before an evening of networking, nibbles and drinks commenced. Guests, including media, sponsors and key partners from across the Liverpool City Region, were also invited to share headshots and selfies with the organisation, so they could be included in the ‘Come As You Are’ face mosaic.

Speaking at the event, John Bird said: “At a time when the LGBT+ community is increasingly misunderstood, marred by misconceptions and targeted with hate, LCR Pride Foundation wants the world to know that the Liverpool City Region is taking a stand. No matter where you are from or how you identify, we are open to all and you are welcome here, Just Come As You Are!”

2019/2020 PROGRAMME – COME AS YOU ARE

All planned events to date are listed below:

March with Pride

Saturday 27th July

March together with pride from St George’s Hall to Moorfields, in the year that we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising – registration opening soon.

Pride in Liverpool

Saturday 27th July

Enjoy multiple stages packed with live entertainment, fantastic food, drink and retail stalls, a dedicated youth zone and host of inclusive activities, Don’t miss the year’s biggest celebration, on Tithebarn Street!

Pride Sundae

Sunday 28th July

Continue the Pride party with even more exciting entertainment and activities taking place in the city centre – stay tuned for further event and location information.

LCR Pride Awards

October 2019

Celebrate the brightest, bravest and best of the region’s LGBT+ community and its allies at our glittering inaugural awards ceremony.

LCR Pride Patrons’ Dinner

February 2020

Enjoy an evening of fine food and drink, inspiring speakers and the company of some of LCR Pride Foundation’s esteemed Patrons.

Film With Pride

Year-Round

Explore the very best of new and classic LGBT+ cinema from around the world, with exclusive post screening discussions at FACT at Picturehouse and other venues across the region (https://www.lcrpride.co.uk/film-with-pride/). Upcoming films include Lizzie (15), Sauvage (18) and Rafiki (12A).

For more information visit www.lcrpride.co.uk or contact info@lcrpride.co.uk

Anyone can get involved with the LCR Pride Foundation Come As You Are campaign. Simply snap a headshot or selfie and submit via http://lcrpride.co.uk/caya along with your full name and where you are from (specifying your borough if from Liverpool).

Issued for and on behalf of Nonconform for LCR Pride Foundation 

For more information visit: https://lcrpride.co.uk