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Save the date for Chichester Pride 2024! 25.05.2024
Co - Chair | Melissa Hamilton
I first came out as a gay man aged 14 and openly trans since 2018. I grew up in Chichester with The Bush Inn as our LGBTQI+ social go-to, however, the pub shut down not long after I came out. When it came to looking for support, Chichester seemed to be lacking especially in comparison to other cities over the UK. Family and friends would often say "can't you just move to Brighton?"
The lack of support and visibility in Chichester has been my main drive to change things within the city, which, in turn, lead me to set up regular social meets for the LGBTQI+ community. The Chichester Pride committee was soon formed and we began planning the Chichester's first-ever Pride event.
Pride to me is not about segregation, but inclusivity from every walk of life. To be bold and visible and to show we are all human - regardless of any labels.
Co - chair | Dawn Gracie
I have lived in Chichester for 16 years and for 15 of those, I have been in the local entertainment scene, from rock to retro soloist, with my first drag & burlesque cabaret show being in 2012. Since then I have continued to offer diverse and sometimes challenging entertainment - officially named Chichester Cabaret Club in 2016 - designed to surprise, enlighten and educate and I soon realised that this was attracting an equally diverse audience including the LGBTQ+ community.
I have always insisted on a safe place for everyone, performers and audiences alike, and am frequently told how surprising it is that something like this exists in Chichester because of its Conservative reputation.
I believe that the community in our city deserves to have more readily available services and support and as an LGBTQ+ ally, with a public platform and years of experience in event production and performance, I have a lot to offer Chichester Pride. I have never feared to put my head above the parapet for causes that might be deemed against the status quo.
Fundraising | Stuart Burrows & Jonny Clines
Having recently moved to Chichester, from South West London, we are delighted to be part of the team bringing Pride to our new home city for the first time.
We married in 2016 following the marriage equality legislation that passed through Parliament in 2013 and although we celebrate these new, hard won, rights we know that many people in the LGBTQ+ community still face injustice, stigma, and inequality.
We are proud to be supporting an organisation committed to highlighting this struggle whilst also seeking positive change and offering a chance to celebrate the full diversity of Chichester.
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Marketing - Website, Newsletters & Ads | Zoe Gadd
During my time at Brighton University, my eyes were opened to a diverse and flourishing LGBTQ+ scene. The thriving community felt like a stark contrast to my hometown in West Sussex, where the LGBTQ+ community was very underrepresented.
I'm really proud to be working alongside some amazingly talented, hard-working people to make the event a success. Chichester Pride 2022 will be historic for the city, bringing together LGBTQ+ members and allies alike, to enjoy a wonderful day together in a safe and vibrant environment, whilst providing many opportunities for new friendships to form too.
Treasurer | Corina
Hi, my name is Corina, and I am Chichester Pride's treasurer. This means I take care of the finance and accounts. After taking time to find a cause to apply my skills to, I'm very excited to be getting involved with Pride and helping the team out using my financial knowledge.
I'm super excited for Pride and being part of history as a team member of the VERY first Pride! I’m hoping that my finance skills will bring value to the team and help set up Pride with a strong foundation for a brighter future.
