A Statement from Rob DesRoches and Caron Harrison

After eight extraordinary years at the helm of Forest Gayte Pride, we—Caron Harrison and I, Rob DesRoches—have made the heartfelt decision to step down from our leadership roles.

What began as a bold idea has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined. Forest Gayte Pride has become a vital space for visibility, celebration, and connection—a truly grassroots Pride for the people of Newham and beyond. It is the only Pride in the borough, and one of a handful of the original six grassroots London Prides still standing today.

We are so proud of what we’ve built together with our community. From rainbow crossings and queer film festivals to powerful moments of protest and joy, every event has been a testament to the resilience and creativity of our LGBTQIA+ family. Forest Gayte Pride was born out of a need for something more inclusive—something truly reflective of the people it serves. And what grew from that need has been transformative.

There have been challenges along the way, of course—but these have always been outweighed by the joy of seeing people come together, feeling seen, and finding strength in shared experience. The relationships we’ve forged, the stories we’ve heard, and the love we’ve witnessed have been unforgettable. This has been more than just an event; it’s been a movement grounded in care, community, and collective action.

As we step aside, we do so with full hearts and immense gratitude—for the collaborators, volunteers, artists, performers, allies, and, above all, the queer people who have shown up year after year. We are confident that Forest Gayte Pride will continue to thrive in new and exciting ways. Our hope is that it remains as bold, inclusive, and grassroots as ever.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of something so meaningful. It’s been the honour of a lifetime.

With pride and love,
Rob DesRoches and Caron Harrison

A New Chapter for Pride: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

As we step into the ninth year of Forest Gate Pride, we acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work and dedication of the committees that came before us. Their dedication to inclusivity, community, and creating a safe space for all has shaped Pride into the powerful and meaningful celebration it is today.

This year marks a transition, with a new committee and a refreshed structure guiding our efforts. We recognise the significance of this change and the responsibility it carries. With deep respect for the legacy we inherit, we are committed to carrying that torch forward—to uphold the values that have always been at the heart of Pride.

We may be new, but our intentions are rooted in the same spirit: to serve, to listen, and to uplift. We are doing our best to honour the path paved by those before us, and we hope to meet the high standards set over the past eight years.

Above all, we remain devoted to making Forest Gate a space where everyone, especially those from marginalised communities, feels seen, supported, and safe. Thank you for your continued trust and patience as we grow into this role. Together, we will continue building a Pride that reflects the strength, diversity, and resilience of our entire community.

 The Forest Gayte Pride Committee