Amid the rapid growth of the coronavirus pandemic, UK Black Pride has taken the decision to postpone their annual event until further notice.
The cancellation or postponement of any event, festival, or gig that you had been looking forward to is always heartbreaking, but for many, the indefinite postponement of UK Black Pride will be particularly tough.
If you are a person of colour and part of the LGBTQ+ community, you are a member of two marginalised groups, and as such, events like UK Black Pride can be a lifeline. So, organisers are keen to stress how important it is for members of this community to find other ways to connect during this difficult time.
‘There is an end to this virus and to this social disruption and confusion,’ reads a statement from the UK Black Prdie team. ‘We ask all of you to not only practice self-care, but community care. We need each other.
‘Because of COVID-19, we are having to postpone our annual celebration of and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent.’
The statement explains that the coronavirus is only making life harder for queer people of colour in the UK.
It adds that COVID-19, and the lockdowns and policies, will ‘disproportionately impact Black women, our elders, immigrants, refugees and people of colour in ways we all know too well already.’
Organisers say that they know how many people need a space like UK Black Pride to celebrate who they are, particularly in times of social upheaval.
‘So, the team at UK Black Pride is exploring other ways to bring our communities together; to amplify the great work taking place across our communities to combat loneliness, isolation and ill mental health; and to provide opportunities for connection, joy and laughter,’ continues the statement.
‘Importantly, each of us is staying at home to do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.’
How to support the LGBTQI+ community
This is a remarkably challenging time for many in our communities and so we have a few asks:
- Please be kind. Many are feeling alone and uncertain. Use your voices and platforms to speak truth to power and practice kindness, compassion and understanding with fellow citizens and community members.
- Follow the advice coming from the government and from certified medical professionals about prevention, treatment and care. Where possible, please stay at home.
- Reach out to others. Yours could be the smile that brightens another’s day.
The UK Black Pride team
‘The decision to postpone UK Black Pride 2020 is heart-wrenching, but must be done,’ says Phyll Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll), executive director of UK Black Pride.
‘It makes sense to take this action. But we don’t stop being LGBTQ POC during COVID-19, and so the team and I are working very hard to put forth digital opportunities for our communities to connect, celebrate and challenge inequalities.
‘Our communities are full of people who have persevered, who have always found a way through, and COVID-19 is another challenge that we will get through together.’
It is already being reported that the LGBTQ+ community is likely to be disproportionately impacted by the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Research has found that the LGBTQ+ community is going to face a unique set of circumstances that will disproportionally affect them socially – including problems with housing and mental health.
Many people from these communities, particularly people of colour, rely on chosen family, friendship groups, shared housing and social gatherings.
Some people are now being forced to isolate with homophobic family members, potentially for months on end.
So, the impact of social distancing coupled with the cancellation of specific community-led events, may be particularly damaging.
The team at Black Pride have highlighted a list of incredible resources that LGBTQ+ people of colour can access if they are struggling, or feeling alone during the UK lockdown.
An organisation helping LGBT+ over 50 to live happy, sociable and independent lives.
Gabrielle Pimintel
She is offering free home workout sessions for the elderly.
A charity that helps gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.
Need support? Contact the Samaritans
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/26/black-pride-postponed-important-lgbtq-community-stay-connected-lockdown-12459747/?ITO=squid
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