Not impressed by event or coverage

Both myself and a guest were devastated by the amateurish event management and grotesque misrepresentation of the county’s LGBT communities.

Rain was forecast, yet there was no sheltered area available to the attendees. Many other UK summer events have clear plans in place for these weather conditions, such as cabaret tents or indoor spaces nearby.

The selection of stalls, most of whom abandoned the event before its conclusion, had an uneven focus on mental illness, substance abuse and social housing. While I am fully aware of just how vulnerable the LGBT community can be to health and social difficulties, it has been an important feature of successful Pride events to emphasise the positive experiences and new freedoms enjoyed by ‘queer/trans’ individuals in British society.

I do acknowledge that this aspect is represented by Push Projects and the Warwickshire Pride elsewhere, but it seemed sadly lacking from all three of our separate visits across the day.

Furthermore, the Courier’s usually balanced coverage of local events is not up-to-scratch on this occasion. Implying that the weather did not affect the success of the event is nonsensical under such conditions, but the main problem with your news feature is its lack of balance. You have chosen to interview one person, who is simultaneously organiser, spokesman and fundraiser. Why did the Courier not interview any of his colleagues, any attendees, any performers or any casual visitors?

This sequence of events seems unbecoming for Leamington, despite its absurd decision to hold this ‘festival’ on the same day as London Pride. No doubt all of this will be blamed on the whimsical English weather, but the Warwickshire queer community deserve better organisation and journalism in future.

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