PLANS for the launch party for Isle of Wight Pride are taking shape and the newly elected chair of the event has laid out his vision.
Popular London drag act, Peter 'Proud Mary' Andrew will be performing at the event which takes place at Coburgs, Ryde, at 7pm on Friday, February 10. The night is open to all.
Peter, who grew up on the Island and worked in bars in Ryde, said: "This is the platform we need to help other people in our community know that they can be accepted for who they are no matter what sexual orientation, gender, race, religion.
"What this world needs at the moment is more love and acceptance."
Meanwhile, Island theatre director and actor Joe Plumb has been elected as the new chair of Isle of Wight Pride.
Anyone interested in volunteering, supporting, or attending the Island's first Pride event on July 15, in Ryde, is welcome to go to the launch event.
Working groups have been set up to organise the daytime event and discuss stalls, live entertainment, and information stands, as well as the parade, evening event, fundraising and finance, and media, communications and marketing.
Organisers said they had taken feedback on board from a public survey and would use it to help mould the main event.
Launch party tickets cost £5 on the door and money raised will go towards the main Pride event.
Joe said: "I am very excited about Pride coming to the Isle of Wight and the opportunity to help facilitate what I am sure will be a very special event.
"I am lucky enough to have been born at a time of growing acceptance for the LGBTQ community but I do have a strong understanding of the struggles that led to this point.
"Pride events are a strong reminder to those who have lived through criminalisation, Section 28, and the prejudice and abuse felt by so many.
"There is still a lot of work to do internationally as well as making equality in law a reality in this country. It can also be said that the Isle of Wight lags behind the mainland in support and visibility for the LGBTQ community.
"My vision for Isle of Wight Pride is for it to be an opportunity for us to take pride in how far we have come but to also highlight that there is still work to be done.
"We have had over 1000 responses to the questionnaire and we will be sharing the results at our launch event. From the results it is clear that islanders want an inclusive, family friendly, all day event, with a parade.
"We have set up working parties who are currently looking into how we can make these ideas a reality. There is a lot of support for this event and I look forward welcoming everyone to Ryde for the first Isle of Wight Pride."