How it started
Pride in Orkney started as a conversation between friends who felt the lack of observable LGBT+ safe spaces and a connected community was a growing issue on the islands – leaving a whole subset of people with very few open spaces to celebrate who they are.
So, we set out to change that. In September 2023, Pride in Orkney held its first event: a Pride Picnic that was wonderfully well attended and, buoyed by the support that proved such spaces were wanted in our community, we decided to take the plunge to fill that gap on a long-term basis.
Now, while we are putting together our application to become a registered charity, we work to put on regular monthly events around our islands to bring the LGBT+ community and our allies together in safety and happiness.
What we do
Pride in Orkney is a community outreach development project. This means we work to engage and help develop our community all year round. This makes us slightly different to many other Pride groups in Scotland, who do wonderful jobs setting up specific Pride festivals for a few key dates through the year.
We generally host at least one event a month, with activities changing through the seasons and alongside Orkney’s sometimes unpredictable weather!
Through our first winter, we’ve held small events like coffee mornings and pub quizzes, and we are planning larger events through the summer, like nature walks, fun days, and picnics. We also provide and promote longer term community-led projects, such as our Bunting Bonanza and we’re always on the look out for suggestions from the community as to what they would like to see organised by us.
Who we work with
Pride in Orkney is currently working with other local and Scottish charities and businesses to set up events, and are always happy to hear from any one willing to lend a hand to make our islands a little happier, a little safer, and a little more supportive.
Currently, we are looking for all kinds of help, from volunteers for our events, to venue hire and donations. Ideas for our events and moral support are always welcome, too and if you would like to support us, please get in touch with us via or contact page or send us an email at: PrideinOrkney@gmail.com
