Vera Baird QC wishes everyone a happy and safe Newcastle Pride
15th July 2016
Northumbria Police will be ‘Policing with Pride’ again at this weekend’s Newcastle Northern Pride Festival.
The event, which is the ninth in the city, will take place primarily at the Town Moor from Friday until Sunday (July 15 – 17).
The event is fully supported by the Police Crime Commissioner Vera Baird and officers, staff and volunteers will be there throughout the weekend offering support to those attending and taking part in activities.
On Friday evening the “Running With Pride” team of runners from the force will be taking part in the Northern Front Runners LGBT 5K run on the Town Moor.
On Saturday morning Northumbria Police will be hosting a joint Pride Breakfast at Newcastle Civic Centre, along with our partners from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
And for the parade itself officers, staff and cadets will be joining in with the Pride Parade as it makes its way through the city centre to the Town Moor and will be hosting a Pride Stall at the events being held afterwards. There, visitors will be able to speak to officers and find out more about how Northumbria Police supports its Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trans+ (LGBT+) communities.
Sunday will again see officers, staff and cadets based at the Pride stall taking part in all of the activities on the Town Moor.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, said: “Newcastle Pride is a wonderful occasion showcasing all that is great about our city and its vibrant LGBT+ community. As well as a celebration of diversity, Pride is also the perfect opportunity for us to raise awareness of our commitment to supporting all communities.
“There is no place for homophobia, biphobia or transphobia here – it’s as simple as that. We want anyone subjected to any form of abuse – for being who they are – to speak out knowing they will be listened to, understood, and supported by Northumbria Police. I wish everyone a happy and safe Pride celebration. Pride has a serious purpose but it is great fun and we are all hoping that the sun will shine for it.”
PC Janine Turnbull and PC Chrissie Ender, who appear every month on the ‘Policing With Pride’ radio slot on Pride Radio North East’s ‘Drive Time’ show, will be on the police stall across the weekend and are looking forward to meeting their listeners and chat about any issues or concerns anyone might have.
In a public show of support the force will be flying both the rainbow and transgender flags at each area command police station and its headquarters, as well as on its social media accounts for the weekend.
Northumbria Police acting Chief Superintendent David Felton said: “Northern Pride is a fantastic event for the city and for the region as a whole. It’s a really positive event that we are proud to support and be part of and it gives us the perfect opportunity to come together with our LGBT+ communities.
“We will have officers involved in every aspect of the weekend – from taking part in Friday evening run to being part of the parade itself.
“Throughout the weekend we will have staff at a stall on the Town Moor, and so if anyone wants to speak to police about any issues they have or ask questions we’d encourage them to come and visit the stall.
“We’re always keen to build and improve on our relationships within the LGBT+ communities and we want to hear what it is that concerns people the most and what we can do to help, we’re here to listen to people’s ideas and views. Please come and speak to us, we are here for you.”
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, which organises the annual event, said: “Newcastle Pride is a celebration of LGBT culture and history but it is also about education to stop Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and promoting equality. Following the atrocity in Orlando last month it is more important we are visible and show we won’t be beaten.
“We are delighted that Northumbria Police and the other emergency services are supporting us in these efforts and are looking forward to an enjoyable and safe weekend for everyone involved.”
To find out what we get up to over Pride weekend in Newcastle follow @NpNewcastle or our brand new staff LGBT+ support association policing account on @NPLGBT on Twitter. Or LIKE Northumbria Police on Facebook.
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For info & advice re reporting hate crime, including specific information to access our online 101 form& 3rd party reporting schemes in your area within our force, or the national True Vision Hate Crime reporting site use:
Report Hate Crime – Hate Crime – Northumbria Police
For info regarding types of Hate Crime use:
Types of Hate Crime – Hate Crime – Northumbria Police
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