READING Pride has announced the return of the Alternative Zone and the Uncensored Stage at this year’s Reading Pride Love Unites Festival, set for Saturday, September 3.
The Alternative Zone will see a safe, social space for kinksters, fetishists, and sex workers looking for a more adult, alternative space.
Provided by Animagi CIC, it will emphasise sexual health and consent education, and it is advised that the area is for attendees over the age of 18.
While the specific areas are not family-friendly, it provides a separate area where important adult themes and resources can be explored while keeping the rest of Pride family-friendly and safe for those under the age of 18.
Quincy Bastow, founder chairperson of Animagi CIC, said: “Thanks to the Reading Fetish Social held regularly at the Blagrave, and the area we organised last year, we have been asked back for a second time.”
“With the topics discussed, our area is 18+ advised as a more mature space for people to explore sexuality, sexual well-being and consent in an informative and educational manner, allowing everyone to express themselves openly.
“Details of safety in sex work and deeper discussions of kink and fetish, consent and sexual well-being will be limited to inside the Alternative Zone.
“General information about sexual well-being, consent and safety and different tribes in the LGBTQIA+ community will be available in the space outside of the tent.”
They say that the purpose of the Zone is to show off the “alternative” side of the LGBTQ+ community, from kink and fetish to sex work.
“There is a historical significance to having a space for members of these groups, with STAR and sex workers being heavily involved in the fight for equality and representation since Stonewall,
“And the leather community joined the effort in the 80s alongside providing sexual health education, awareness and support, as well as raising money during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.”
They also say that the space raises discussions about how the safety of sex workers should be discussed.
“With LGBTQIA+ hate crime on the rise, the addition of being a sex worker often leaves people more vulnerable due to stigma, discrimination and lack of protections around sex work.”
This year’s event will also see the Uncensored Stage, which hosts cabaret and burlesque-style performances throughout the day, brought to the festival by Cavalcade.
Please note that “swimwear coverage” is expected, in keeping with public decency laws.
Jones said: “Additionally, this year we have been honoured to announce the Uncensored Stage run by Cavalcade, where some amazing performers will show off more cabaret and alternative-style queer performances, from stilt walking, boylesque, burlesque, singing and maybe even some fire.
“We welcome people to come and enjoy the area whether that is outside with our love wall, and more general education, or inside where the performances, education, and community will make Reading Pride an amazing experience.”
Reading Pride Parade and Love Unites Festival 2022 takes place on Saturday, September 3.
