In just a short space of time, North Herts PRIDE have become a real force across towns in our area including Letchworth.

What started as an informal PRIDE picnic, shortly following the pandemic and after we came out of lockdown, is now a fully registered organisation with its own bank account.

One of the founder members Katie Wilson says: "Not for one moment did i ever think it would grow like it has." 

Katie adds: "I don't want people from the local LGBTQ+ community to feel that they have to go to London to feel accepted, safe and part of something, I want them to feel that here." 

As Nub News has proudly and consistently reported [see a selection of links below], our area has now had picnics (and a market) in all four towns covered by North Herts.

A PRIDE bench sits proudly on Windmill Hill in Hitchin - with plans already underway for two more, one in Letchworth where they have obtained a grant and one in Royston which the council have agreed to purchase. "And that's without the one I know about being installed in Stevenage," says Katie with pride.

Katie goes onto explain: "My next plan is to get PRIDE signs up at the railway stations, it's not just about raising awareness.

"I don't know if local businesses realise that this could benefit them commercially, with people wanting to come into the town, because they feel safe. 

"In Leeds they have a First Friday, where the trans community and allies comes out on the first friday of every month to party, celebrate and raise awareness at the same time, that's what I want for Hitchin.

"People would come in from other areas because they felt safe and wanted to be part of something special. "

RELATED ARTICLE

North Herts Pride: Love conquers all sees rainbow colours on Windmill Hill - a wonderful legacy from much-loved and much-missed late Hitchin councillor Judi Billing

Hitchin: North Herts Pride event at Pitcher & Piano hailed as huge hit

Hitchin: Get set for North Herts' first Pride - find out more about this exciting event

Baldock to host its first-ever Pride Picnic this weekend

What's On in Letchworth this weekend: Pride Picnic

Letchworth: Get set for the Pride Film Festival

.........

LIKE/FOLLOW HITCHIN NUB NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE