Proud at Pride Cymru

This year, the Welsh Refugee Council joined the parade for Pride Cymru for the first of many times.

On a day where the sun and smiles were beaming all the way through Cardiff, we marched with thousands of people to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community. Making our way through the streets with familiar and new friends, we could physically feel the love for the values of Pride.

And yet we still have far to march together. People’s sexuality and identity continues to be the focus of persecution around the world. Only since 1999 has the UK recognised the possibility of queer sanctuary seekers whose claims are linked to their sexuality. And now, 25 years later, queer sanctuary seekers have to go to extreme lengths to prove their claims, as documented in this account from writer and immigration solicitor Tawseef Khan.

“You’re part of our team, no matter where you are, no matter where you’re going”

Back at Pride Cymru, we spoke to individuals and organisations about their messages for sanctuary seekers and refugees. We listened to them talk about inclusion, access to a future and housing, and how sport can connect us all. We could feel people’s desire that Wales can and should be a safe place for sanctuary seekers and refugees.

Thank you to everyone who spoke to us at Pride, including Llamau, Amgueddfa Cymru, Legal & General, the FAW, Euro Games Caerdydd, and Bute Energy. And a huge thanks to Nick Treharne for taking some fabulous photographs of our team over the weekend.

Room for more

There are groups of people who work all year round to make Wales a more welcoming place for queer sanctuary seekers. Glitter Cymru hold online meetups every week for BAME LGBT+ community members to come together, make friends and talk about issues on their mind.

Glitter Cymru are also hosting Glitter Pride on Saturday 3 August, 15:00-18:00 at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff, CF10 3AP.

This family friendly event is FREE to refugees and sanctuary seekers. Join in the music, performances, and food for this year’s theme of “Celebrating Global Community”.