On Sunday, July 23rd, Glastonbury Pride takes centre stage, serving as a powerful response to a handful of homophobic events in the town.

This year's Pride holds even greater significance in a world where discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry persist, both locally and globally.

In the face of adversity, the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies stand united, ready to celebrate and embrace their authentic selves proudly.

Glastonbury Pride is a grassroots event created by the community, for the community, embodying the spirit of visibility, awareness, spirituality, and community cohesion. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse range of activities, including performances by local talents at The Market Cross, a fundraising raffle supporting two local charities, a peaceful walk to The White Spring, a welcoming and inclusive picnic area for families, an afternoon of cinematic delights, a DJ set accompanied by storytelling poetry and a soothing 'sound bath,' a spellbinding cabaret evening, and a variety of spiritual elements that infuse the event with a profound sense of purpose.

This year, more than ever, Glastonbury Pride exemplifies the essence of "Pride with Spirit!"

Sadly, recent homophobic incidents on Glastonbury High Street in May and June 2023 serve as a harsh reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.

The Buddha Maitreya Soul Therapy Centre faced complaints for displaying homophobic posters in their window and initially refusing to remove them until Avon and Somerset Police intervened.

The posters displayed in the Soul Therapy Centre. We've blurred them so as not to spread their hateful message further. Credit: Vicki Steward/Facebook

The centre agreed to take down the offensive materials and expressed their apologies, agreeing to a community resolution.

Similarly, police were called to Sons of Asgard when members of the public berated staff over their Pride window display.

Credit: Sons of Asgard/Facebook

A police spokesperson said: "We would like to assure the community that hate crimes, irrespective of their nature, are unacceptable and will be dealt with utmost seriousness."

The team behind Glastonbury Pride said: "We extend our appreciation to those who reported these hate crimes and commend the swift response of the police in addressing the incidents. This serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to speak out against discrimination whenever it is witnessed, heard, or experienced, not just during Pride events."

In relation to the incidents, Glastonbury resident Stevie Cole said: "These aren't just empty words, they can lead to real harm. I'm just grateful for how many people in our colourful Glastonbury community, LGBTQ+ or not, stood up to it and spoke out against it.

"I'm happy to know how many supporters we have here in town, when we meet with such a small-minded view. This is exactly why we need events like Pride, to show anyone who hates us or wants to hurt us that we won't stop celebrating who we are.

"I can't wait to see all our supporters here in town celebrating Pride with us! Love is greater than hate."

For a detailed schedule of Pride events in Glastonbury, search Facebook and Instagram for @glastonburypride.

H/T - Vicki Steward, Normal for Glastonbury,