Latest news with #TorfaenPride
South Wales Argus
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen Pride celebrated in style as hundreds brave the rain
Torfaen Pride ran on Saturday. And with more than 70 food and craft stalls, a funfair, multiple bars and two main stages full of performers, there was something for everyone! This was the event's second year and the rain couldn't keep people away. Organised by LGBTQ+ Charity Friends of Dorothy Cymru, over 5,000 came along to the jamboree. The Rainbow Bar owners 47-year-old Becky Romani and 48-year-old Keeley Baxter (Image: NQ) Becky Romani, 47, and 48-year-old Keeley Baxter run Newport lesbian cocktail business The Rainbow Bar which is based in Caerleon. Becky attended her first Pride with her 47-year-old girlfriend Kelly Devile. The trio had the following to say about today's event. Becky said: 'We are really chuffed to be here representing the LGBTQ+ community and we are very excited to be here. 'We are lesbian owned and lesbian run bar, and we are best friends and we set it up originally as a bit of a hobby and we are just enjoying life together." Girlfriends Becky Romani and Kelly Devile (Image: NQ) She added: 'There's a huge community. Just reach out. It's so important that people do. "No one should be on their own or sad. "They need to come here and see everyone is welcome.' Amy Adams is a transgender woman. The 56-year-old said: "It's something for all the community, not just LGBT. Transgender woman Amy Adams at Torfaen Pride (Image: NQ) 'I'm trans, and when you see Pride mentioned you get some people saying, 'how much is that going to cost the council?' Today the council is charging us to use the park. 'How many times do you get a free event with live music that doesn't cost people a penny and you can just turn up?' Friend's Rhi Jones 25, Shanon Charles 28 and David Parrish 28 at Torfaen Pride (Image: NQ) Rhi Jones, 25, talked about gender identity and how Pride is a safe space. She said: 'I think it's so amazing seeing so many people! I came out as pansexual and struggled with my gender identity. 'Don't listen to people who are going to be negative or try put you down. 'There are communities here if you walk and talk to someone at Pride, they will help you and be nice there's no judgement here.' They also recommended the following platform for LGBTQ+ mental health services. 'Regarding mental health platforms Melo is great. They're part of the NHS and have outlets for people who are LGBTQ+ and Trans.' Tammy Paxton Newport based Drag Queen on stage (Image: NQ) Tammy Paxton is a drag queen from Newport. The self-described "hostess with the mostest" talked about how Pride was historically a form of protest and how exciting it is for Torfaen Pride to be running once more. Tammy said: 'I preformed the first year here as the hostess with the mostest and I'm here once again to take the reins on a fantastic event. 'It's absolutely lovely to see the first time around we had such a wonderful turn out and we've got even more people here it's amazing!' Tammy Paxton Newport based Drag Queen in her dressing room (Image: NQ) Tammy added: 'One thing people forget though is that Pride is fundamentally a protest, we have to attend our Pride and it's about making the queer community feel safe and visible.' Torfaen Pride organiser Jamie Wake with a rainbow umbrella (Image: NQ) Jamie Wake, aged 47, is the key organiser behind Torfaen Pride. He said: 'The weather was touch and go but after every rainstorm there's a rainbow and it's time to shine bright today. 'Last year we had 5,000 people and today there's people everywhere and it's a free day!'
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent set to celebrate Torfaen Pride 2025 in Pontypool Park
The free event is organised by Club F.O.D Cymru and will be running from midday until 7pm Saturday June 7. Last year's event saw at least 5000 people attend with this year's event expected to attract equal amounts of footfall. Torfaen Pride has been coined one of the most 'accessible' Pride events in Wales. Alongside promoting LGBTQ+ rights there will be lots for people to enjoy. A drag queen on stage at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) Events like Drag queen bingo and numerous craft and food stalls will keep visitors entertained. The event has two stages, a main stage occupied by performers and a smaller more community-based stage which will be used to give local groups a voice. A cowboy style performer at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) Volunteers at the event will also be tackling isolation. They will be expected to interact with members of the public to ensure they feel included. Speaking of Pride event organiser Jamie Wake 47, said: "We know that when this article is shared online, there will unfortunately be negative comments — questioning why Pride is still needed, calling it 'woke,' or asking why there isn't a 'straight Pride.' 'So let me speak directly to those people: Pride is not about division or superiority — it's about visibility, safety, and equality for a community that has had to fight to be recognised and respected. 'Pride is not about being 'woke' — it's about being seen, safe, and celebrated in a world that hasn't always made space for us. When you say 'woke', we say you're welcome." Torfaen Pride organiser Jamie Wake at Torfaen Pride 2024 (Image: Jamie Wake) He added: "The truth is, Pride exists because LGBT+ people have had to fight — and still do — for the basic rights, acceptance, and dignity that others often take for granted. It's not about special treatment; it's about equal treatment. 'Pride is a chance for our community to stand together, to remember those we've lost, and to celebrate how far we've come. It isn't about excluding anyone — it's about including those who have historically been excluded. 'It's not a celebration of difference for the sake of it, but a reminder that, even today, LGBT+ people face discrimination, isolation, and inequality. Pride exists because we're not there yet. And until we are, it remains not only relevant — but necessary."
South Wales Argus
28-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Christmas trees complaint overlooked by Pontypool council
Council staff were reminded to adhere to the concerns and complaints policy. This was addressed at the council meeting on April 23, chaired by Councillor Caroline Price, with several councillors attending in person or remotely. The minutes of previous meetings were confirmed as true records. Grants of £200 and £500 were approved for Llangollen International Eisteddfod and Torfaen Pride, respectively. The finance manager was asked to review and clarify the council's asset register. The council has made a commitment to the environment, and a biodiversity NRAP report is to be submitted by the end of the year. Biodiversity and sustainability will be included in all future committee agendas. Various governance and policy updates were made, including the adoption or re-adoption of policies on carer's leave, neonatal care leave, special and additional leave, artificial intelligence, concerns and complaints, and emergency call out. The council was shortlisted for two awards at the One Voice Wales AGM. Motions for this are due by June 20. The council also plans to share information about the Welsh Government's Democratic Engagement Grant with the Youth Council. A portion of the meeting was confidential, with the press and public excluded in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
