Disability Pride returns for second year

The event celebrates the diversity and value of disabled people with visible and invisible impairments.

Jenny Skelton, chair of Disability Pride, said: “We want to celebrate our identities and feel less isolated in the city, as well as engage with non-disabled people, by hosting a great day out for all!

“I started Disability Pride Brighton after my daughter was the victim of disability discrimination. I don’t want others to have to experience this and so we created this all-inclusive event aimed at tackling the issue and empowering disabled people.”

Committee member Naomi said: “It is because of Disability Pride that I am able to be happy in my own body as a disabled person. It is because of Disability Pride and being part of the committee that I am able to help speak for those disabled people who may be non-verbal or may not feel comfortable yet to speak for themselves. I feel like because of Disability Pride, I am able to have a place in society which can radically make changes to how disabled people are seen, not just in Brighton but all over the UK.”

The parade led by Unified Rhythm, a carnival band with over 80 per cent disabled members, will march along the seafront to Hove Lawns at 11.30am.

The festival will open at Hove Lawns at midday, with live music and speeches from disabled people, work from disabled artists on display, and stalls from organisations who offer support or activities to local people.

Disability Pride Brighton was the first Disability Pride event in England and held its inaugural event in July 2017 attracted more 2,000 people.

Richard Lane, head of communications at disability charity Scope, said: “We are delighted to support Disability Pride. Last year’s event was a smash hit, and we’re sure that this year is going to be even bigger and better.

“Disability Pride is invaluable, it brings disabled and non-disabled people together to change and challenge negative attitudes and perceptions.

“Disability rights have come a long way in Britain, but we know that disabled people still face barriers in too many areas of life.

“We hope this event allows people to celebrate what’s been achieved and to keep building a community to fight these challenges. Happy Pride to everyone celebrating!”

Funding has come from Sussex Community Foundation, Brighton and Hove Buses and the People’s Health Trust, with support from scope.

For more information on this year’s Disability Pride, visit: www.disabilitypridebrighton.com