We were told we couldn’t do it by some, that it would only be another student event by others and that there wouldn’t be any interest by many.

Less than 6 months later our first Pride happened on a lovely sunny Thursday evening with an estimated audience of 1500 and a magnificent mix of people. In 2023 we welcomed an amazing 20,000 people to our new county wide celebrations as we continue to grow LGBT+ visibility in County Durham.

Mary Foy MP presents a copy of the Parliamentary Early Day Motion (EDM) recognising the work of Durham Pride UK

So we did it and a wonderful LGBT+ community and many of its supportive allies came together to celebrate diversity and put County Durham on the LGBT+ friendly map.

The Rainbow Steps Pride 2022 Launch event

Our Objectives

We are a proud by and for LGBT+ charity and all about raising awareness and educating the public about the issues and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT+ people in and around County Durham.

This includes but is not limited to a by and for helpline, specialist training to front line agencies and providing specialist services to victim-survivors of same sex domestic/sexual violence and abuse, hate crime and bullying.

Local leaders supporting Pride

Chair of Durham City Parish Council, Leader of Durham County Council, Asst Chief Fire Officer, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham Constabulary Chief Constable, Durham University EDI Lead, Durham University Staff EDI Chair, Principal of St Aidan’s College, Durham Police Liaison, Chair of Durham Pride UK

Any profit from our Pride fundraiser will be used to support these activities and other charitable objectives for the following year.

Durham Pride UK is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales: Number 1159910