Southend Pride: 14th - 21st July

July 9, 2018 by Katie Lawrence

It’s been a long time coming, but Pride is finally returning to Southend after a long fifteen years. The LGBTIQA+ community will be celebrating across Southend from Saturday 14th to the 21st July. There will be 7 days of parties, disco music, socials, screenings, drag queens and kings, panel discussions, poetry, mixers, comedy, and of course, a festival and parade. Southend Pride welcomes the young and old, gay and straight, to celebrate amongst the LGBTIQA+ community and to support and fight against the discrimination they face.

Transpire at Twenty One 14th July

From 13:00 to 16:00 Southend’s newly established trans network, Transpire, will introduce Southend Pride with food galore and raffles. This is a fantastic opportunity for Southend’s Pride community to network, socialise and meet more people involved within the community.

Opening Party at The Railway Hotel 14th July

To kick off Pride with a bang, the Railway are hosting a 50 year music celebration opening party. With six DJs including Steve Zorro, Rob T and Gavin Page, get ready for old school tunes, house, techno, soul, funk, 80s hits and much more. With over 400 guests expected, head down at 8pm to kickstart Pride with special guest drag queen Sofonda Cox.

Sunday Cinema at Kings Road Church 15th July

If you’re a film fanatic or love a great discussion or debate, Kings Road Church will be showcasing two LGBT+ screenings. There will be a panel discussion after. It is the chance to meet and make friends through discussion and film in the LGBTIQA+ culture.

Proud Poetry at Utopia 16th July

Southend’s LGBTIQA+ poets and writers will be exploring and celebrating poetry this Southend Pride from 19:30 to 22:30. The line up so far includes Lewis Archer, Alexa Barrett, Rachel Dalton, Emy-Lee Parsons, Jake Penny, Ren Stedman, Toska Wilde and more. With host Cat Howe, celebrate Pride with a tea or coffee and be entertained by great poetry.

You Do You - Under 18’s Mixer Event at Twenty One 17th July

Are you aged 11 - 17 and want to celebrate and meet people your age in the LGBTIQA+ community? Twenty One are hosting a mixer event with Figuring It Out from 18:30 to 22:30. There are only 100 tickets available, so visit this link to grab yours - https://figuringitout.eventsmart.com/events/18s-mixer-event/

Southend Pride Comedy Night at The Alex 18th July

BGT 2018 runner up Robert White will be headlining at the Alex from 19:30 to 22:30 for a night of comedy and celebrations. Drag King Joey Bambino will be performing and more acts will be announced shortly, head down to the Alex for a pay-what-you-like policy and a night of laughs in celebration of Pride.

Kings vs. Queens at The Alex 20th July

Sashay Away all other plans on the 20th July for one of Southend Pride’s most exciting events. With free entry and doors opening at 20:00. Drag queens and kings will be performing and fighting for their right.

Southend Pride Festival/Parade at Warrior Square Gardens and Southend High Street 21s July

Celebrate Southend Pride in the heart Southend. In association with Southend Festival, from 12:00 to 20:00, Southend’s LGBTIQA+ community welcome all to celebrate for a great cause.

Southend Pride Official Closing Party at the Cliff Pub 21st July

After a day of parading, marching and celebrating across Southend’s Royal Square and High Street March, The Cliff are opening their doors to 18+ from 17:00 to 03:00. The Cliff is Essex’s famous only full-time LGBT venue so a fantastic place for a final celebration of Southend Pride. Entry is free with great deals on drinks all night.