The theme, which launches alongside a digital programme, focuses on health and wellbeing and promotes the right for LGBT+ people to enjoy a happy, healthy and carefree life, regardless of age, ability or how they identify.
The LCR Pride Foundation has revealed its 2020/21 theme ‘Young at Heart’ alongside a series of online events and initiatives to keep the Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ community and its allies connected during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The theme ‘Young at Heart’ aims to highlight the benefits of self care, being active and doing the things we love, on our physical and mental wellbeing. It also strives to provide a platform to celebrate LGBT+ individuals working in the sport, health and wellbeing sectors and shine a spotlight on organisations and services working hard to facilitate good physical and mental health in the region’s LGBT+ community.
The programme will cover a range of themes, from inclusive sport and mental health, to activism and LGBT+ youth support. Events will range from virtual interviews with LGBT+ champions and allies working to improve the wellbeing of the community, digital panel discussions and Q&A sessions, to film and music events.
Details of all events will be released weekly on Monday mornings via the organisation’s new ‘Get Up and Glow’ e-newsletter. Next week, Wednesday 20th May, will see a ‘chat with’ LCR Pride Foundation Patron and Paralympian, Claire Harvey MBE, addressing the intersection between the disabled and LGBT+ communities and the importance of ParaPride, as well as highlighting the importance of inclusive sport.
The organisation’s Film with Pride initiative will also launch a season of free online screenings this Friday 22nd May, starting with two short films, The Love Letter written by Jade Winters and directed by Nathan Hannawin, and Hey Google directed by Leon Lopez, also known for his TV roles in Brookside and Eastenders.
Speaking about the theme, LCR Pride Foundation Co-Founder and Interim CEO, Andi Herring, said: “In the midst of a global pandemic, it has never been more important to turn our attention to our own mental and physical health and that of those around us.
“Even before the coronavirus outbreak, more than half of LGBT+ people had experienced depression in the past year and one in seven LGBT+ people had avoided seeking healthcare for fear of discrimination from staff.
“Our 2020 campaign aims to not only challenge the internal and external prejudices around mental and physical health that our community faces, to also embrace self-care and care for others.
“We believe that everyone has the right to enjoy a happy healthy and carefree life, regardless of age, ability or how they identify. This year we call to all people to join us in breaking down the barriers to mental and physical wellbeing, looking out for ourselves and those around us and taking pride in the things that allow us to enjoy lifelong health, happiness and wellbeing.”
Last month LCR Pride Foundation announced the postponement of this year’s annual Pride in Liverpool festival and March with Pride, which was set to take place on Saturday 25th July 2020, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Any updates on this event will also be included in the weekly ‘Get up and Glow’ newsletter, which people can sign up for here.
For more information visit: https://lcrpride.co.uk
