Category: In The Know

Everything you ever wanted to know about the LGBT+ community. From flags to pronouns.

These are the prides that are taking place this weekend (24th/25th June)

Posted on by Jake

If you’re looking to go to pride this weekend, 24th and 25th of June then you’re in luck as there are plenty of choices that stretch right across the UK.

Table of Contents

The UK is home to over 170 pride events, you can find them listed over at The at our handy pride calendar and this weekend there are around 10 pride events to choice from Scotland to Abergavenny to Forest Gate in London. Dublin Pride also takes place this weekend.

What Prides are taking place this weekend?

No matter where you are this weekend, you're sure to be near a pride event in the UK

Here are the prides and when they take place, click on the name of the event to find out more about their event and start times.

23 – 25 June 2023Forest Gayte Pride 2023 / East London
24 June 2023Dublin Pride 2023
24 June 2023Edinburgh Pride 2023
24 June 2023Ellesmere Port Pride 2023
24 June 2023Fraserburgh Pride 2023
24 June 2023Rochdale Pride 202
24 June 2023Stoke On Trent Pride 2023
24th June 2023Warrington Pride
26 June 2023Abergavenny Pride 2023
28 June 2023Sheffield Pride 2023

When was the first pride in the UK?

The first Pride event in the UK, known as the UK’s first official Gay Pride Rally, took place in London on July 1, 1972. 

The event, organized by the Gay Liberation Front, saw around 2,000 participants marching from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park. It was a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and marked the beginning of an annual tradition of Pride celebrations in the UK.

Since then, Pride events have grown in size, visibility, and importance, spreading to various cities and regions across the country. At last count there were over 170 prides in the UK. 

What can you expect from a Pride in the UK?

Attending a Pride event is a unique and vibrant experience that offers a wide range of activities and celebrations. While each Pride event may have its own distinct features, here are some common elements you can expect:

arade or March: Pride events often kick off with a colorful parade or march, where participants walk, dance, and celebrate through the streets. The parade showcases a diverse range of LGBTQ+ individuals, community organizations, allies, and floats representing different causes.

  1. Festivities and Entertainment: Pride events typically include live performances, music concerts, drag shows, dance parties, and other forms of entertainment. You can expect a lively and celebratory atmosphere, with a variety of artists, performers, and DJs taking the stage.
  2. Community Engagement: Pride is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together and engage with community organizations, advocacy groups, and supportive businesses. You’ll find booths, stalls, and information centers where you can learn about resources, support networks, and activism opportunities.
  3. Pride Merchandise: Pride events often feature vendors and stalls selling a wide range of merchandise, including rainbow flags, clothing, accessories, pins, stickers, and various LGBTQ+ pride-themed items. It’s a chance to show your support and purchase items that represent your identity and pride.
  4. Workshops and Panel Discussions: Many Pride events also host educational workshops, panel discussions, and speaker sessions covering various LGBTQ+ topics, such as activism, health and wellness, legal rights, and social issues. These provide opportunities for learning, dialogue, and community empowerment.
  5. Visibility and Expression: Pride events are known for their acceptance and celebration of diverse identities. Attendees often express themselves through colorful costumes, unique fashion, body art, and creative displays of individuality. Pride is a space where people feel free to be themselves without judgment.
  6. Inclusive Environment: Pride events strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. They promote acceptance, respect, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. You can expect a supportive atmosphere where you can celebrate, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.

We’ve gone green

Posted on by Jake

We love the world, which is why we make the best efforts to be as green as possible, particularly regarding our carbon footprint – so we’ve installed solar panels! That’s right, our main office is now powered (mostly) by the sun, helping us to reduce our CO2 footprint by over 112kgs a week.

When we’re not using our own energy, we’ve teamed up with an energy provider delivering 100% renewal power.

Of course, we’re always looking to make our business more sustainable and more planet friendly. So that’s why

  1. All our card packaging is made from recycled cards.
  2. We remove plastics and recycle them where we can.
  3. Our power is from renewable sources.
  4. We make a huge proportion of our products right here in the UK, reducing the air miles.
  5. We look to source other goods from locations which are nearer to the UK.
  6. Work with delivery partners who offset their carbon footprints.

There’s always more to do, but we’re getting there.

Lesbian Visibility Week is here. Here are 12 awesome lesbians who have changed the world for the better!

Posted on by Jake

Lesbian Visibility Week is a week-long celebration of lesbian identity, visibility, and empowerment. It was founded by DIVA publisher Linda Riley in 2020 to celebrate and raise awareness of the experiences, challenges, and achievements of lesbians and all LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people. The week aims to increase the visibility of lesbians in various spheres of society, including politics, media, culture, and the arts. It is typically observed in the last week of April each year. There are also Lesbian Visibility Days in July and October.

Here are 12 awesome lesbians to celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week

Hannah Gadsby, the acclaimed Australian stand-up comedian, is using their platform to advocate for trans rights. Gadsby publicly criticized Netflix for featuring Dave Chappelle, who made a number of derogatory jokes about the trans community in one of his specials for the streaming service.

Jill Scott, the esteemed footballer, was a member of the England Women’s team that won the Euro 2022 championship, and later became the reigning champion of the jungle in the popular TV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, the co-founder of UK Black Pride, was instrumental in the organization’s record-breaking event in 2022, which attracted over 25,000 participants. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate by London South Bank University in recognition of her contributions to the community.

Lea DeLaria, a butch icon, has been a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community since the 1980s and continues to use stand-up comedy as a form of activism.

Lena Waithe, a screenwriter, producer, and actor, is committed to increasing the representation of people of colour and queer artists in the film and television industries.

Lily Tomlin, the celebrated comedian, actor, and star of “Grace & Frankie,” has used her platform to speak out against anti-trans legislation in Florida, describing the proposed bills as a “travesty.”

Mary Trump, the lesbian niece of former US President Donald Trump, worked tirelessly to campaign against her uncle and his bid for re-election.

Mhairi Black, the youngest person ever elected to the UK’s House of Commons, is a vocal advocate for trans rights and has fought for reforms to the Gender Recognition Act.

Raven-Symoné, the iconic Disney star, used her influence to pressure her employer to publicly condemn Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2022.

Rosie Jones, a British comedian and actor with cerebral palsy, is a strong advocate for greater representation of people with disabilities in the comedy industry. She is actively working to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the field.

Wanda Sykes, an actor, comedian, and writer, is using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality for all members of the queer community. She is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQ+ movement.

Stormé DeLarverie was a butch lesbian and a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist. She is often credited with playing a significant role in the Stonewall uprising, which was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. According to Stormé and many eyewitnesses, her scuffle with police on the night of June 28, 1969, outside the Stonewall Inn in New York City, was the catalyst that ignited the uprising, inspiring the crowd to resist and fight back against police oppression. Stormé passed away on May 24, 2014, at the age of 93.

Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com. Celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week

What does Aceflux mean and who can be one?

Posted on by Jake

What does Aceflux mean?

Aceflux is a term used within the asexual and aromantic communities to describe someone whose experience of their asexuality and/or aromanticism fluctuates over time.

Specifically, aceflux refers to individuals who may experience periods of feeling completely asexual or aromantic, followed by periods of feeling varying degrees of sexual or romantic attraction. These fluctuations can be gradual or sudden, and may occur over any length of time, from days to months to years.

Is there an aceflux flag?

While there is no universally recognized or official aceflux flag, there are several designs that have been proposed and used by different individuals and communities.

One common design for an aceflux flag features the colours black, grey, white, purple, and pink. The black and grey stripes represent asexuality and grey-asexuality, respectively, while the white stripe represents the fluidity or variability of one’s orientation. The purple and pink stripes represent romantic attraction and the presence of other identities or orientations, respectively. You can view more flags here.

It’s important to note that flags and symbols within the asexual and aromantic communities are often highly personal and subjective, and may vary from person to person or community to community. As such, there is no definitive or authoritative flag.

One of the flags has that been identified as an Aceflux flag

When was aceflux discovered?

It’s important to note that the concept of aceflux and related terms like “grey-asexuality” and “demiromanticism” emerged from within the asexual and aromantic communities themselves, rather than being discovered or established through scientific research or other external means.

The asexual community, which is centred around individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction, has existed in some form since at least the early 2000s, and has grown and evolved over time through online forums, social media, and other channels. The concept of gray asexuality, which refers to individuals who experience some degree of sexual attraction but do not identify as fully asexual, emerged within the community around 2006.

The term “aceflux” appears to have emerged more recently, likely within the past decade or so, and has gained traction as a way to describe the experience of fluctuating asexual or aromantic orientations. As with many terms within the asexual and aromantic communities, the emergence and evolution of the concept of aceflux has been driven primarily by the experiences and self-expressions of individuals within those communities, rather than by any external factors or authorities.

How can I support an aceflux person?

If you want to support an aceflux person, here are some tips that may be helpful:

  1. Listen to them: The most important thing you can do is to listen to their experiences and validate their feelings. Ask them how they feel and what you can do to help support them.
  2. Respect their identity: It’s important to respect their identity and use the labels and pronouns they prefer. Don’t question or invalidate their experiences, and avoid making assumptions about their sexual or romantic orientation.
  3. Educate yourself: Learn more about aceflux and related identities, as well as the challenges that aceflux individuals may face. This can help you understand and support them better.
  4. Be an ally: Speak up against discrimination and prejudice towards aceflux individuals, and advocate for their rights and visibility.
  5. Be patient and supportive: Remember that aceflux individuals may experience fluctuations in their orientation over time, and that this can be a difficult and confusing experience. Be patient, supportive, and non-judgmental, and offer them the space and time they need to navigate their experiences.

Overall, the most important thing you can do to support an aceflux person is to be a compassionate and understanding friend or ally. By listening to their experiences, respecting their identity, educating yourself, and advocating for their rights and visibility, you can help create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all aceflux individuals.

Are there any famous people who identify as aceflux?

To our knowledge, there are no famous individuals who have publicly identified as aceflux.

However, it’s worth noting that asexuality and related identities like grey asexuality and demisexuality are increasingly recognized and discussed in mainstream media, and more individuals may feel comfortable coming forward about their experiences in the future. Additionally, many individuals within the asexual and aromantic communities find representation and validation through fictional characters in books, TV shows, and other media.

Find more identities here.

When is the Day of Silence? And where does it happen?

Posted on by Jake

When is the Day Of Silence in the US?

The Day of Silence in the US is usually observed on the Second Friday in April each year. In 2023, the Day of Silence is scheduled for April 14th. The Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools. During this day, students take a vow of silence to represent the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices and to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and harassment on LGBTQ+ individuals.

When was the first Day Of Silence?

The first Day of Silence was organized by students at the University of Virginia in 1996 to bring attention to anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment in schools. The event was inspired by a similar protest called the “Day of Absence” which was organized by African American civil rights activists in the 1960s. The first Day of Silence was a small, local event, but it quickly spread to other schools and universities across the United States. Today, the Day of Silence is a nationally recognized event that is observed by students in middle schools, high schools, and colleges throughout the country.

Who is Day of Silence for?

The Day of Silence is for anyone who wants to raise awareness about anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools. The event is often organized by students and allies in middle schools, high schools, and colleges, but anyone can participate regardless of age or background. The Day of Silence is especially important for LGBTQ+ students who may feel isolated or excluded in school due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. By participating in the Day of Silence, students can show their support for LGBTQ+ students and raise awareness about the need for safe and inclusive schools. The event is also a reminder to educators, administrators, and policymakers about the importance of creating welcoming and supportive environments for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

How do I show up for Day of Silence?

When is the Day of Silence in the US?
Photo by Kat Smith on Pexels.com

The Day of Silence in the US is usually observed on the third Friday in April each year. Here are some steps on how to participate in the Day of Silence:

  1. Get involved: Find out if your school or organization is participating in the Day of Silence, or start your own event if there isn’t one already planned.
  2. Plan ahead: Decide how you will participate in the Day of Silence. Will you remain silent for the entire day or just for part of it? Will you wear a t-shirt or other visible sign of support?
  3. Spread the word: Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about the Day of Silence and why it is important. Use social media, posters, or flyers to spread the message.
  4. Be prepared: If you plan to remain silent for the day, be prepared with note cards or other ways to communicate when necessary. You can also wear a button or t-shirt that explains the reason for your silence.
  5. Reflect and educate: Use the Day of Silence as an opportunity to reflect on the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment in schools and to educate others about the need for safe and inclusive schools.
  6. Break the silence: At the end of the day, break your silence and participate in a debriefing or other event to reflect on your experiences and discuss next steps.

Remember, the Day of Silence is a student-led event, so be sure to follow the guidelines and rules set by your school or organization. It is also important to prioritize your own safety and well-being while participating in the event.

Find other days of importance for the LGBTQ+ community

Pride Dates: When is Calderdale Pride 2023?

Posted on by Jake

Calderdale Pride is an annual event held in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Typically, it is held during the summer months, usually in July or August. You can check Calderdale Pride organisation’s official website or social media pages to get updates about their event and specific dates for the next event.

The first Calderdale Pride was held in 2015. It took place on Saturday, 29 August 2015 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK. The event was organized by a group of volunteers from the local LGBT+ community and aimed to promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the region. Since then, Calderdale Pride has become an annual event, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the LGBT+ community and raise awareness about the issues that affect them.

What date is Calderdale Pride on in 2023

When is gay pride in Calderdale? Calderdale pride 2023 is in August
Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels.com

This year Pride in the Yorkshire town of Calderdale takes place on the 19th of August.

In an announcement on its Facebook Page, organisers said,

“Following its huge success in 2022, with an attendance of over 22,000 – Calderdale Pride will be returning to The Piece Hall this summer!

Save the date … and then join us for another Pride celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come and how in some places, there’s still work to be done.”

You can find out other pride dates for 2023 here.

How many people attend Pride in Calderdale?

According to its organisers, Calderdale’s pride has over 20,000 attendees during its Pride event. The last pride took place in 2022 and sources say that over 22,000 people attended the celebrations.

Does Calderdale Pride have a parade or march?

Yes, Calderdale Pride usually includes a parade or march as part of its celebrations. The parade usually starts in the early afternoon and travels through the streets of Halifax town centre, with participants carrying rainbow flags and banners promoting equality and diversity. The parade is usually accompanied by music and dancing, and it’s a fun and lively way for the local community to come together and show their support for the LGBT+ community. After the parade, there are usually various events and activities, including live music, food stalls, and information stands from LGBT+ organizations and charities.

When is Asexuality Day 2023?

Posted on by Jake

This is exactly when Asexuality Day 2023 happens

Asexuality Day, also known as Ace Day, is an annual event held on April 6th to celebrate and raise awareness about asexuality. The day is an opportunity for people to learn about asexuality and for asexual people to connect with each other and celebrate their identities.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others or a very low level of sexual desire. Asexual people may still have romantic attractions and desire emotional intimacy and connection with others, but do not experience sexual attraction in the same way that most people do.

What’s the point of Asexuality day 2023?

Asexual people will be celebrating Asexuality Day 2023 in many ways
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Asexuality Day aims to promote understanding and acceptance of asexuality and to combat the myths and stereotypes that can lead to asexual people feeling marginalized and misunderstood. It is an opportunity for asexual people to come together and find community and support, and for allies to learn more about asexuality and how to be better allies.

Is there a flag for Asexuality Day 2023?

The asexual flag is a symbol used to represent asexuality, which is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction or a low interest in sexual activity. The flag was created by AVEN (the Asexual Visibility and Education Network) in 2010.

The asexual flag consists of four horizontal stripes of equal size, from top to bottom: black, grey, white, and purple. The black stripe represents asexuality, the grey stripe represents grey-asexuality and demisexuality, the white stripe represents sexuality, and the purple stripe represents community.

The flag is meant to represent the diversity within the asexual community, with the black stripe representing those who identify as completely asexual, the grey stripe representing those who experience some level of sexual attraction, the white stripe representing those who experience sexual attraction, and the purple stripe representing the community as a whole.

What happens on Asexuality Day?

Asexuality Day typically includes a range of activities and events, such as social media campaigns, educational workshops, and community gatherings. These activities aim to raise awareness of asexuality and promote greater understanding and acceptance of asexual people.

Overall, Asexuality Day is an important reminder of the diversity of human sexuality, and a call for greater inclusivity and acceptance of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is a time to celebrate and support the asexual community and to work towards a world in which all people are respected and valued for who they are.

When is International Transgender Day Of Visibility?

Posted on by Jake

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual observance that takes place on March 31st to celebrate and raise awareness of the transgender community worldwide. The day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of transgender people, while also highlighting the ongoing struggles they face.

TDOV was first celebrated in 2009 and has since become an international event. It is an occasion for individuals and organizations to come together to show support for transgender people, and to help raise awareness of the issues they face.

The day is also an opportunity for transgender people to share their stories, to be visible and to inspire others to embrace their identity. Many people mark the day by participating in marches and rallies, sharing their experiences on social media, and organizing educational events and activities.

The goal of TDOV is to promote understanding and acceptance of transgender people, to combat the stigma and discrimination they face, and to work towards a more inclusive and accepting world. It is a time to celebrate the courage and resilience of transgender people and to honour their important role in the fight for social justice.

Overall, International Transgender Day of Visibility is an important reminder of the value and dignity of all people, regardless of gender identity or expression. It is a time to celebrate diversity and to work towards a world in which all people are accepted, respected, and valued for who they are.

When is MARDI GRAS PARADE (Australia) celebrated?

Posted on by Jake

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is an annual event held in Sydney, Australia, typically on the first Saturday of March. The parade is one of the largest celebrations of LGBT+ culture and pride in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people attending each year.

When was the first Mardi Gras in Sydney?

The Mardi Gras Parade began in 1978 as a protest march to demand equal rights for LGBT+ people, and has since evolved into a celebration of LGBT+ culture and diversity. The parade features a colorful procession of floats, marching groups, and performers, all decked out in vibrant costumes and displaying messages of LGBT+ pride and visibility.

The event attracts visitors from all over the world and is a major cultural and economic event for Sydney. In addition to the parade, many other events and activities are held throughout the city during Mardi Gras season, including parties, concerts, art exhibits, and film screenings.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade has played an important role in promoting LGBT+ visibility and acceptance in Australia and has contributed to significant progress in LGBT+ rights over the years. It is a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the ongoing struggle for equality, and a reminder of the power of community and solidarity.

What’s the route of the Sydney Mardi Gras?

The parade route changes slightly each year, but generally follows a similar path through the heart of Sydney.

The 2022 Sydney Mardi Gras parade will take place on Saturday, March 5th, and is expected to start at 7:30 pm AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time). The parade will start at the corner of College Street and Liverpool Street in the Sydney CBD (Central Business District) and will travel down Oxford Street, which is a major road known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

The parade will continue along Oxford Street until it reaches Flinders Street, where it will turn right and proceed towards Moore Park. The parade will finish at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, where a post-parade party will take place.

The parade route is typically lined with spectators who come out to cheer on the colorful floats, dancers, and performers who participate in the parade. The Mardi Gras festival also includes a range of other events, including parties, art exhibitions, and community events, which take place in the weeks leading up to the parade.

How many people go to Sydney Mardi Gras?

The number of people who attend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras varies from year to year, but it typically attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. In 2020, the event attracted an estimated 500,000 people to the parade route, while in 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held in a scaled-down format with limited attendance.

The Sydney Mardi Gras is not just a parade, but also a series of events that take place over several weeks, including parties, concerts, art exhibitions, and other cultural events. These events attract a diverse range of attendees, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, tourists, and locals.

When was homosexuality legalised in Australia?

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Australia at different times across the different states and territories.

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), homosexuality was decriminalized in 1975.

In South Australia, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1975.

In Tasmania, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997.

In New South Wales, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1984.

In Victoria, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1981.

In Western Australia, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1990.

In Queensland, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1991.

The decriminalization of homosexuality in Australia was a significant milestone in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the country, and it paved the way for further legal and social progress towards equality for LGBTQ+ people. It’s important to note that while homosexuality was decriminalized, discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ people persisted in Australia and continue to be addressed today.

When is Zero Discrimination Day?

Posted on by Jake

Zero Discrimination Day is an annual observance held on March 1st to promote and celebrate diversity, tolerance, and inclusion, and to raise awareness about discrimination and the negative impact it has on individuals and society.

When was the first Zero Discrimination day?

The day was first established by the United Nations in 2014, and since then it has been celebrated globally in a variety of ways. It is a day to recognize that everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic, has the right to live a full and healthy life without fear of discrimination.

The theme of Zero Discrimination Day changes each year, with past themes including “Make Some Noise for Zero Discrimination”, “End Discrimination Against Women”, and “Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today”. The goal of the day is to inspire individuals and communities to take action to end discrimination, promote diversity and inclusion, and work towards a more just and equitable world.

Many organizations and individuals mark the day by organizing events and campaigns to raise awareness and promote tolerance and inclusivity. This may include educational events, rallies, social media campaigns, and other activities aimed at promoting equality and reducing discrimination.

Overall, Zero Discrimination Day serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their differences, and working towards a world where everyone is valued and free from discrimination.