Highland Pride say winter event has been cancelled
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Organisers of Highland Pride says it is with 'heavy hearts' this year's winter event has now been cancelled.
Jessica Taylor, Highland Pride chairwoman said the group were not in a position to continue to organise the event at short notice – and thanked people for their understanding.
The winter Highland Pride event was due to take place later this month, thanks to a grant of £5000 from the Comic Relief LGBTQ+ Covid–19 Recovery Fund
In a statement, Ms Taylor said: "We wanted to let our local community know as soon as possible that we’ve decided not to go ahead with our online Winter Pride plans in February."
The group has run a number of very popular events in the region, including last year's winter Highland Pride, and its annual Highland Pride parade.
Ms Taylor said: "It leaves us with heavy hearts to post this on the eve of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) History Month, and we hope you’ll bear with us whilst we explain because we always want to be as honest and transparent as we can.
"Planning for Winter Pride started very late this year due to some personal circumstances within our team, and despite our intentions to try and catch-up and still deliver a programme that’s worthy of your time we’ve found that juggling working from home, for most of us, long online meetings, emails , and a general feeling of burnout that we’re just not in a position to continue."
She continued: "Our team’s mental health and wellbeing will always be our top priority and we must look after each other in these strange times. We know as a supportive and caring community that you’ll understand this although we know it doesn’t stop it being a disappointment and we are truly gutted.
"We will still do our absolute best to highlight all the fantastic online events happening online for LGBT History Month, and if you have already planned something please do still let us know so we can help you promote it.
She added: "We urge you all to attend these events if you can, not only connect with other LGBTQ+ people but to also show your support for the organisers at the other end truly, online event planning is not as joyful as face-to-face events where organisers get to see your lovely faces!
"If you have emailed us about an event for Winter Pride, or we have already made plans with you please bear with us as we reply to you in the coming days."
It is understood that the funding for the event may be carried forward to next year, or returned to the funders.
For more about Highland Pride, and a look back to 2019 click here.
