WITH READING Pride approaching, Club F.O.D. has launched its community hub for this year’s Love Unites Festival.
On Saturday, September 3, the charity will host the Club F.O.D. @ Pride hub, which will aim to tackle social isolation for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The event sees the community celebrate its identity and its diversity, but some can find it a lonely or isolating experience for any number of reasons.
The charity looks to tackle issues of isolation caused by mobility difficulty, the necessity to attend the event alone, or challenges faced by those who struggle with crowds.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 30, a Club F.O.D. representative said: “It replicates what we do as an organisation though our projects – social inclusion and preventing social isolation, befriending, community.
“Rather than deliver it in a set venue like we do at The Blagrave, it takes place in what is simply a marquee at a Pride Festival, establishing an on-site central community hub.”
They said that the space would “coordinate community resources, actively promote connection, and provide a unique safe-space within a wider safe-space.”
Volunteers will spend the day speaking to attendees, introducing and matching individuals who are attending alone with others, and reduce social isolation.
As well as the safe space, it will also incorporate the Cabaret stage, which will see performance, karaoke, and games, hosted by Club F.O.D. chief executive officer, Jamie Wake, in his final Reading Pride before he moves away.
He’ll be joined by Wilma Fingadoo, Miss Tina, Miss Penny, Raveena, DR Bev, and Sam Solace.
Mr Wake is the founder of the Pride event in Reading, and has performed as Sue Panover and been crowned Mr Leather UK in 2017.
This will be his 18th time appearing at the festival as either a host or keynote speaker.
Club F.O.D. was founded in May 2019, and has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community in and around Reading since.It is run by volunteers and organises events and activities, community groups, and dedicated LGBTQ+ nights at The Blagrave Arms.
This year, Reading Pride parade and Love Unites Festival takes place from 10.45am on Saturday, September 3, with the festival beginning in Kings Meadow at noon.
For more information, visit: www.readingpride.co.uk/
