A Letter From The Old Committee

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