We support Bermuda Pride! Here is everything you need to know about this historical celebration, and more.
Who, When and Where?
On Friday, August 30th at the Hamilton Princess there will be a panel discussion. The title of the discussion is “Free to be me: Expressing LGBTQI+ identities against a legacy of colonialism.” The seminar will focus on colonial era laws have impacted the LGBTQI+ communities in the British Commonwealth Caribbean, with special focus on Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. All four of these countries have previously held Pride parades. Although the event is free, space is limited. The speakers are as follows:
- Jaevion Nelson, Executive Director of F-FLAG, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays;
- Ro-Ann Mohommad, Co-founder of B-GLAD, Barbados – Gays, Lesbians and All-Sexuals against Discrimination, and organizer of Barbados’ LGBTQI Pride;
- Rudolph (Rudy) Hanamji, Chair of Pride Trinidad & Tobago; and
- Dr. Natassia Rambarran, Public Health Advocate at SASOD, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Guyana.
Next, a community celebration will be held on Saturday, August 31st at Victoria Park. The gates to the park open at 9:00AM. At 9:30AM there is a yoga session by FusionWorks with Marcia — please be advised to bring your own mat! At 10:15AM Joy Barnum will provide a live vocal performance, followed by an opening speech and moment of silence. At 10:45AM, everyone will assemble to begin the parade through Hamilton, which begins at 11AM.
Following the parade, at around 12:30PM, everyone will return to the park where there will be a Pride Ceremony at the bandstand. Next, it’s time to party! …Until the park closes at 7PM.
Important to note: everyone is welcome! However, dogs are sadly not allowed in Victoria Park. The organizers also recommend that you do not bring single-use plastics (this includes balloons) into the park. One should bring a reusable water bottle, as there will be hydration stations around the parade route.
The Logo
The Bermuda Pride 2019 logo is rather special. It began with the iconic symbol of the Moongate, but is transformed with the bold colors of the Pride flag. This unique logo symbolises everything that is associated with this historical celebration: unity, strength, and ultimately, pride.
Merchandise
Specially designed for Bermuda Pride 2019, there are tote bags, hats and shirts available for purchase. Simply visit Touché Bermuda (8 Reid Street, 295-4585) or Toxic Rose Boutique (46 Court Street, 292-4256) to buy.
To Learn More or Volunteer
There are many resources available to you!
Please go to bermudapride.net to learn more about the 2019 Bermuda Pride celebrations, and how to volunteer.
