Thank you for publishing intelligent and thought-provoking letters about Pride from Jason Bull (Letters, August 7), Peter Lilley (Letters, August 11) and Michael Johnson (Letters, August 14).
“Pride is whatever you want it to be” is apparently the stance of the Pride committee, stated at last year’s AGM.
Pride (South East) is a registered charity, the mission statement of which states, “Pride in Brighton and Hove promotes equality and diversity, and advances education to eliminate discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) community. Our key objective is to develop an environment that promotes LGBT equality through creating and supporting events that celebrate LGBT lives.”
Legally, Pride has to adhere to this mission statement to maintain charitable status and all the financial benefits that come with such status.
“Pride is whatever you want it to be” (statement from the committee) and the fact that a majority of heterosexuals attend the annual event clearly does not chime with the charity’s own stated purpose.
By all means have an annual carnival for all but the charity Pride (South East) cannot continue to claim charitable status which clearly is no longer relevant. I have written to the Charity Commission pointing out the disparity between the charity’s stated purpose and actual events.
Johnny Core
Montpelier Street, Brighton
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