On 18th June, Midsomer Norton will be joining the likes of London, Bristol and Brighton by hosting its own Pride festival in the town centre.
The event is being organised by former Somervale School student, Nik Jovcic-Sas, who has been working as an LGBT activist and counsellor for LGBT youth for three years, and came up with the idea of having the event in Midsomer Norton.
He said: “Over the past ten years, there has been so much positive change for the LGBT community in Britain – but there are still so many who live very difficult lives. As a teenager, I struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide because I hated the fact I was gay, and when I came out, I was bullied mercilessly. Today, Midsomer Norton is much more tolerant, but according to the charity, Metro, four in every ten LGBT teenagers consider suicide.
“We owe it to the young people of our community to let them know that no matter how they identify, they have an important place in our town.”
Nik has teamed up with another ex-Somervale student, Grant Johnson, who has been designing graphics, as well as helping organise the event.
Grant said: “I think it’s important for all people living in the Somer Valley area to have a voice, which is exactly why an event like Pride is so important to local LGBT people. This event is about more than just a good night out.
“It’s about showing everyone in the community that it’s ok to be different and to celebrate those differences together.
“I live in Paulton and from time to time, I get someone making that old joke: ‘What’s it like to be the only gay in the village?’ I don’t for one second think it’s true, but it is difficult to meet other LGBT people in the local community.”
Midsomer Norton Pride is being supported by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Midsomer Norton Town Council and the Wunderbar. A full programme of events has yet to be decided, but there will be live music, film screenings, comedy, drag performances, art pieces and more, with events taking place at the Town Hall, The Wunderbar and the Greyhound.
Nik said: “Midsomer Norton Pride aims to be something that celebrates both the LGBT community and everything that makes our community great. It’s going to be an amazing event, so no matter whether you are gay or straight, we hope you’ll have a great time!”
More information about the event, including updates on performances and times, can be found online at: www.facebook.com/MidsomerNortonPride