University staff and students will march alongside the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the Medway Pride parade, as well as hosting a stall at the community festival in Rochester Castle gardens.

This year’s Medway Pride will take place on Saturday 17 August, with Medway Pride Fringe events happening across Chatham and Rochester from 12-17 August.

Pride is a powerful celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity. Pride marches began in Chicago, LA, New York and San Francisco in 1970 following the Stonewall protests, raising awareness of the discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and inspiring the widening LGBTQIA+ movement. Today Pride is celebrated in cities all over the world.

Medway Pride will begin with a festival parade along Rochester High Street to Rochester Castle, with participants from all communities, sponsors, members, or allies of the LGBTQIA+ communities of Medway and beyond. The parade will end with a community festival at Rochester Castle with stage-based entertainment, community stalls, and local supportive businesses providing food, drink and memorabilia.

The fabulous line-up this year includes X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, alongside an eclectic mix of live music, tributes and drag performances.

Find out more about what’s on at Medway Pride and the Medway Pride Fringe at: medwaypride.co.uk

Visitors to the Universities at Medway stall will be welcome to join in the celebrations with the University community, write a message to their future self, and get some free Pride goodies.

The University has a thriving LGBTQIA+ staff network and LGBTQIA+ student society, and the sponsorship of Medway Pride is part of the dynamic range of activities and support the University offers to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.