Thousands to celebrate and stand up for LGBTQ+ community at Oxford Pride
The event returns to the city centre for its 24th year
Oxford Pride returns today, with organisers saying the event is both a celebration and an opportunity to stand up LGBTQ+ rights.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual event, which begins with a parade from Paradise Square at 10:30am before continuing with entertainment, community activities and celebrations across the city centre.
More than 40 groups are set to take part in the parade, while the day will feature live music, drag performances, market stalls, wellbeing spaces, family activities and talks exploring LGBTQ+ history in Oxford.
Nathan Urquhart, who is part of the Oxford Pride committee, said its remains an important opportunity to recognise progress while recognising the challenges many people in the community still face.
"We have got so far in lots of our rights and we should definitely celebrate it. But all of those rights are under threat," he said.
"We want Pride to be a safe space for people to be themselves, visible and celebrate what we've achieved, but also fight for the things which we want to maintain and grow."
His comments come amid ongoing national debate surrounding transgender rights following recent developments including the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of sex and subsequent guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Nathan said Oxford has a particularly strong connection to the transgender community.
According to Census 2021 data published by the Office for National Statistics, Oxford had the highest proportion of residents aged 16 and over whose gender identity differed from their sex registered at birth outside London, at 1.25%.
"We really need to protect our community," he said.
Nathan said discussions around transgender inclusion have left many people concerned about the future.
He also spoke about his experience of feeling like an outsider for his sexuality.
"When I wasn't accepted by society for being gay, that really affected my mental health," he said.
"There must be a way that we can find a place for everyone to have equality and be seen.
"We don't have to understand everyone's point of view. We just need to be kind and inclusive."
Alongside the advocacy message, organisers say Pride is also about bringing people together and celebrating Oxford's diverse communities.
"It's wonderful," Nathan said. "For families, it's visibility and understanding that there are completely different types of humans across the world and that's okay."
Entertainment will take place throughout the day across the city, including performances from Oxford Proud Voices, local drag artists and former The Voice finalist Ace.
The evening programme will conclude with a performance from RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Blu Hydrangea.
Visitors will also be able to explore market stalls, community spaces and a dedicated wellbeing area, while British Sign Language interpreters will be available to help make the event as accessible as possible.
This year's event marks Oxford Pride's 24th celebration, with organisers already looking ahead to a larger event for its 25th anniversary next year.