Dundee could be set to host its own Pride festival with talks between activists and Dundee City Council under way.
Discussions are at a very early stage, but an event steering group has been formed and is trying to locate suitable venues to bring the LGBT+ celebration to Dundee.
A range of consultation events are to be held next month to discuss the viability of Dundee hosting the event in 2018.
Pink Saltire, a national LGBT+ charity, are involved in planning and organising the discussions.
According to Stuart Duffy, Pink Saltire founder, other areas including Perthshire could also be set to host their own Pride event.
Mr Duffy revealed: “We really need the community to step up and get involved in giving their views and helping organise a Pride here in Dundee.
“We were heavily involved in the planning and organising of the first Fife Pride in Kirkcaldy earlier this year and it takes a big team to make it a success. We know there are lots of people who support Pride but it takes commitment and time, so we need folk to come and get involved.
“So far, four meetings have been arranged in the city, all in the week September 11 till September 14, with events at the Butterfly Café, DUSA, Klozet and in the council HQ. An online survey is also being launched in September to gather community views on some of the specific detail of what Pride should look like.
“There are four main Pride events in Scotland, held on an annual basis in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston and Fife, however Dundee joins teams planning other Pride events in Dumfries & Galloway, Perthshire, Aberdeen and Forth Valley — all in 2018.”
Barry Jordan, youth and community development officer, who runs the Allsorts youth group for LGBT+ Youth Scotland in Dundee, added: “These consultation events will be a chance for the Dundee LGBT+ community to help shape and form what Pride should look like in Dundee and to keep it at grass roots level.
“Many of the young people we work with have been looking to be involved in planning an LGBT+ Pride Event in Dundee for some time with Pride events happening in other places outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh. We really hope the community will come out and show support for these events and make Dundee Pride happen.”
Dundee’s city development convener Lynne Short said she would be in full support of Dundee hosting its own celebration.
Ms Short said: “We have an events team ready, willing and able to partner an event but it has to come from the grass roots.
“I would love to see it. It would add another layer of of celebration and inclusiveness.”
LGBT+ Pride events are held in cities across the world. There are more than 120 Prides held in the UK alone.
Traditionally a protest for improved rights and protections for LGBT+ people, Pride is also seen by many as a chance to have their voice heard and to be respected in their community.
The Pride survey will be available from September 1 on the new Dundee Pride Facebook page.
