Statement on actions of Nuneaton Pride

Currently there is much debate among Prides about not permitting political parties to attend Pride events this year. We decided not to permit political parties to attend this year, as have many other Prides. Some Prides are allowing political parties. It’s not for us to cast judgement on that.

However, one of the Prides that is allowing political parties to attend and speak is Nuneaton Pride. While that is up to them, we are horrified that Nuneaton Pride has said it would give a platform at Pride to Adolf Hitler in the name of engagement.

Most people will be aware of who Adolf Hitler was and the atrocities he committed, including to LGBTQ+ people. We wholly condemn the comment that Adolf Hitler would be given a platform at Pride. Furthermore, we wish to totally distance ourselves from Nuneaton Pride. We used to organise Nuneaton Pride until a couple of years ago the event was taken by someone else. We’ve had nothing to do with Nuneaton Pride or its current organiser since then.

To clarify, Warwickshire Pride does not organise Nuneaton Pride and we have nothing to do with the event or its organiser.

The communities we serve are going through a difficult enough time as it is right now. For a Pride to say they would platform Adolf Hitler is deeply offensive, upsetting and distressing. We appreciate those who have contacted us about this. We will continue to support those people and anyone else affected by Nuneaton Pride’s comments.

Pride events need to be safe spaces for all who attend. It is upsetting to hear LGBTQ+ people saying they will not feel safe at Nuneaton Pride due to them platforming certain political parties and politicians and saying they would platform Adolf Hitler.

While we do not organise a Pride event in that town, we do work in Nuneaton. We have supported LGBTQ+ people in Nuneaton for many years and will continue to do so. Our coffee morning in Nuneaton is coming back. Our youth group in Nuneaton continues to run weekly. Other projects for Nuneaton are in the pipeline.

Our stance is currently no political parties at Warwickshire Pride. We will continue to listen to the communities we serve and respond accordingly.