Forest Gayte Pride CIC is a grassroots community project based in the East London neighbourhood of Newham. Since our inception in 2017 Forest Gayte Pride has grown from a single market stall and a queer night in a local pub to an organised Community Interest Company. As a three-person committee, we work alongside allies and volunteers within our community on events and functions to promote and engage in educational, cultural and civic activities in order to enrich the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in Newham and beyond.

Our primary aim is to give a voice to LGBTQIA+ residents of Newham through events and education; creating a platform for the queer community to speak out and express themselves in a safe, inclusive space, during pride and beyond. We work to create a safe and welcoming environment within the community for those at risk, in particular the marginalised members of Newham, offering help, advice and support to those who need it, as well as educating and engaging with the allies who want to stand by the LGBTQIA+ community.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM IN THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

Grassroots activism in the LGBTQIA+ community and independent Pride events are becoming more important than ever. Following a series of talks and webinars given over the 2020 Pride season, local activist and founder of SheHerTheyThem Dom Holmes wrote this essay explaining why Forest Gayte Pride - and the many other independent community pride organisations - is a vital part of today’s Queer movement. Click HERE to find out more.

NEWHAM IS IN THE 10% MOST DEPRIVED BOROUGHS IN THE UK

We invite healthcare and welfare organisations including Shine - the NHS sexual health service for young adults, and Metro - a charity which provides health, community and youth services to LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as social organisations such as London Renters Union, to connect with both queer individuals who may not have access otherwise, and allies who may not be aware of the health, wellbeing and social issues faced by LGBTQ+ people today.

78% of NEWHAM’S population is from BLACK, ASIAN AND OTHER MINORITY ETHNIC BACKGROUND

We have developed relationships with organisations including London Queer Muslims, UK Black Pride, and Bisexuals of Colour to ensure authentic representation, as well as help, advice and information available to those whose background, ethnicity and religion intersect with their LGBTQ+ identity in a way that can bring about more specific barriers and issues within their lives and communities.

THE ONS SHOWS a 160% rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community over the last 5 years

1 in 5 lesbian, gay or bisexual people, and 2 in 5 trans people experiencing hate crimes against them in the last year. Through our work, we hope to play a part in lowering this number and helping the queer residents of Newham feel safe and supported, as well as educating those outside of the queer community on how to step up and be allies to LGBTQ+ individuals and causes.

LGBTQ+ young people account for 25% of homeless youth in the UK

Less than half of adults in a UK poll by YouGov said they would be happy and proud to have a child who identified as LGBTQ+. We proudly support AKT in the work they do with LGBTQ+ youth, continually fundraising for the charity through our events, and raising awareness of these issues through our work.