The annual Pride Cymru Big Weekend is held on the August bank holiday weekend. This year, it will commence on August 26 and continue throughout the entire weekend. Pride Cymru is a “volunteer-run organisation that works to eliminate discrimination.” Its annual Pride event aims to unite the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community, raise awareness of equality and diversity, and celebrate individual sexuality and gender identity extravagantly. The event takes place in Cardiff, the metropolis of Wales. In addition to a family area, the festivities include cabaret performances, rides, live music, cuisine, and beverages.
The background of Pride Cymru
Despite being among the most progressive in Europe, L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights in the United Kingdom have an unfortunate past. The advent of Augustine of Canterbury in 597 A.D. marked the official introduction of Christianity to Britain. Religious orthodoxy and homosexuality “began clashing” at this time, when same-sex male sexual activity was considered immoral but not yet illegal. The Buggery Act of 1533 outlawed the practise and made it punishable by death. 1967 marked the decriminalisation of same-sex male sexual activity. Legislation regarding same-sex female sexual activity was never fully addressed.
The 21st century witnessed the introduction and subsequent improvement of laws safeguarding the rights of L.G.B.T.Q.+ community members. Although some protections have been in effect since 1999, the Equality Act of 2010 expanded the list of protections. 2016 marked the official end of the ban on members of the LGBTQ+ community entering the military.
In 1999, a rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community prompted the first Big Weekend, then known as Cardiff Mardi Gras, which was initiated in the hopes of making Cardiff a better, safer place for the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community.
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PRIDE CYMRU DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | August 27 | Saturday |
2023 | August 26 | Saturday |
2024 | August 24 | Saturday |
2025 | August 23 | Saturday |
2026 | August 29 | Saturday |