Foyle Pride Festival Programme 2019 by Foyle Pride Festival

WELCOME

w w w.foylepridefestival .com

Foyle Pride is kindly supported by

Missprint

It’s 50 years since the Stonewall riots, 50 years since the LGBT+ patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York stood up to the authorities and fought back against oppression and bigotry. They stood united; people of colour and white, gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and allies. Their fight inspired others to rise up and Pride was born. In 1969 the LGBT+ community had few freedoms, in 2019 we have seen the hopes of the most imaginative queer person realised...but not in Northern Ireland. We still lack equal marriage, healthcare for gay and trans people is still well below what we should expect, gay and bi men still face 12 months of celibacy before they can donate blood whereas it’s 3 months in the rest of the UK, and education around LGBT+ issues is still close to non-existent. This has to change. Pride is a protest, it can be beautiful, colourful, and full of love, but it must also stand up to injustices, remember our losses, speak out for those whose voices aren’t being heard, and raise

up our collective voices about the issues we face as a community. Stonewall proved that small ripples make great waves. We can rise up as a rainbow wave and use our unified influence to create change, together we are a dynamic force for revolution, we just have to stand together as one. This is a bittersweet pride for me, last year I celebrated with the love of my life, and then she was cruelly taken from everyone who loved her on Holy Thursday. Lyra McKee was a force for good, and a passionate connector. She brought people together, and had difficult conversations to help broaden hearts and minds. So here’s to Foyle Pride 2019, may we be proud, loud, filled with hope, unafraid to stand alongside our LGBT+ brothers and sisters and demand equal rights, and brave enough to have those difficult conversations that bring people together.

Sara Canning

2018 Parade photographs courtesy of Brendan J. Harkin Programme Design x Missprint Magazine Studios, Magazine Street, Derry. T: 02871 415163 M: 0792 7898 726 E: info@missprintdesign.co.uk www.missprintdesign.co.uk

www.foylepridefestival.com

Who we are

Éimear Willis

Maeve Butler

Dee Abbott

Sara Ní Chuireáin

Emma Johnston

Shannon Carlin

Philip Baxendale

Jennifer Clifford

Shannon Downey

Martin McConnellogue

Colleen O’Neill

Donna McFeely

JOIN OUR BOARD We’re looking for committed and motivated people to assist the current committee in supporting and delivering Foyle Pride Festival next year and beyond. If you feel you have what it takes then please attend our annual AGM in December to put yourself forward and we’re especially keen to appoint people who have experience in fundraising and finance. Attend our annual AGM in December to put yourself forward, we’d love to have you on board! Email: info@foylepridefestival.com

www.foylepridefestival.com

message from mayor As Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council I am delighted to be associated with the Foyle Pride Festival 2019 and to offer my support for what has become one of the city’s most colourful and enjoyable celebrations. On beginning my term as First Citizen, I pledged that I would be a Mayor for all citizens – and would use my role to champion equality and the rights of all – regardless of religion, class, colour, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.

practice exclusion, but have helped so many people throughout the City & District to enjoy equality in their lives. The Festival is a fantastic celebration of diversity and equality which draws a growing audience of all generations each year. The 2019 programme offers an eclectic mix of political, artistic and cultural events to challenge, stimulate and educate in equal measure – with plenty of fun for all ages.

I want to pay tribute to the founders, volunteers and supporters of the Foyle Pride Festival who have been flying the flag for inclusivity and acceptance for many years.

I want to encourage everyone to come along and show their support for the festival – and to stand in solidarity with those championing equality, diversity and freedom during this joyful celebration.

Through their courage, inspiration and tireless work in tackling all forms of homophobia they have not only faced down those who indulge in prejudice and

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Michaela Boyle

www.foylepridefestival.com

Seminar Sat 17th August OUTREACH Fri 16th – Sat 17th August FRIDAY 16 AUGUST

This year we’re super excited to bring a part of our festival to beautiful Ballmully Farm. We’ll have lots of family fun, including Drag Queen Story Time where LGBTQ+ inclusive storybooks will be brought to life as well as colourful arts and crafts for all ages! Come along and help us celebrate the love in diversity and the diversity in love! For the 18+ festival-goers we’ll be offering Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing and Free safer sex packs in partnership with The Rainbow Project. We’ll also be on hand for any advice or queries you may have!

GAMING

FILM

Sat 17th August

Dr Deaglán Ó Donghaile Liverpool John Moores University

The Foyle LGBT Centre | 2pm

TBC | 1pm This seminar and group discussion will explore how Oscar Wilde’s short stories, “The Happy Prince” and “The Selfish Giant”, criticised late Victorian capitalism and imperialism. Both tales will be read in relation to Wilde’s most political essay, “The Soul of Man Under Socialism”. Dr Ó Donghaile will introduce the stories with a short talk on why they have remained important examples of solidarity since their original publication and, in particular, in the years since the Stonewall Rebellion. Spaces are limited! Please contact Jim at jimfelixdoc@hotmail.com or 07786746506 to book your place.

www.foylepridefestival.com

Nintendo Derry meet-up We invite you all to charge up your Nintendo Switches/3DS and make your way to The Rainbow Project. We’ll be chilling, chatting and playing with one another via our console’s wireless capabilities. So, whether your poison is Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2, Pokémon or another game; we’re sure you’ll meet other gamers who share your passion.

25TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING

THE ADVENTURES Of PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST

Pride Outreach @ Stendhal Festival!

Oscar Wilde’s Short Stories and the Possibility of Hope

Nerve Centre | 2pm The usually menacing British actor Terence Stamp does a complete turnaround as Bernadette, an aging transsexual who tours the backwaters of Australia with her stage partners, Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Adam/Felicia (Guy Pearce). Their act, well-known in Sydney, involves wearing lots of makeup and gowns and lip-synching to records, but Bernadette is getting a bit tired of it all and is also haunted by the bizarre death of an old loved one. Along the way, the act encounters a number of strange characters, as well as incidents of homophobia. www.foylepridefestival.com

Mon 19th August

mardi@rainbow-project.org

Pride Launch & Awards

Football V Homophobia

Mayors Parlour, Guildhall 12.30pm

The Brandywell Stadium | 5pm A 5-a-side football tournament that is open to all communities, celebrating diversity and tackling LGBT discrimination in sport. Players must be 16+, with no upper age limit. Registration is essential. To register a team or for more info contact eimear@rainbow-project.org

Official launch of Foyle Pride Festival 2019 with the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council and special guests. RSVP – eimear@foylepridefestival.com

FILM

MONDAY 19 AUGUST

Mon 19th August

Hooking up – The Ins and Outs! Foyle LGBT Centre | 4pm Come along to The Rainbow Project’s workshop about the ins and outs of hook ups! We will be discussing topics such as self-love and confidence, consent, how to keep safe, and more! For more info contact Mardi at

Mon 19th August

THE FAVOURITE Nerve Centre | 7PM Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah Churchill governs the country in her place. When a new servant Abigail Masham arrives she endears herself to Sarah. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.

Void is delighted to be partnering once again with Foyle Pride on a week of creative activities that will get you in the mood for the festival! There will be banner, badge and flag making and We are especially delighted to welcome Taryn de Vere who will run a jewellery making workshop on Friday 23rd. You’ll get to wear your creations with pride on Saturday 24th!

You can’t win a championship without gays on your team - it’s never been done before, ever. That’s science, right there.

MONDAY 19 AUGUST

WORKSHOP

Megan Rapinoe, World Cup winner

Please visit www.derryvoid.com and stay up to date on the activites on our Facebook page.

Ireland/UK/USA.2018. Director: Yorgos Lanthimos. Cast: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult. Duration: 2hrs. Cert: 15 8

www.foylepridefestival.com

WORKSHOP

Tues 20th August

Queer Women and Domestic Violence workshop Foyle LGBT Centre | 5pm

WORKSHOP

Tues 20th August TUESDAY 20 AUGUST

Old Ulster Bank Building | 1pm What’s in your tote-bag? During this workshop you will get the possibility to explore and use your own creativity while decorating your own tote bag. What’s in your tote-bag? What does it contain or what do you want to say? Make your own personalised pride themed tote-bag. Make a statement, make it creative, make it yours. Explore, create and be proud.

Tues 20th August

film screening PREMIERE with Q&A

Nerve Centre | 7pm

Tues 20th August

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? I’M A BETTER DOROTHY PARKER THAN DOROTHY PARKER… Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer who made her living during the seventies and eighties profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead and Estee Lauder. However, when Lee found herself out of step with the marketplace, and unable to get published, she turned her art form to deception with the willing help of her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant).

Studio 2, Skeoge Industrial Estate | 8pm

Ulster Alien Alley Theatre | 8pm

A poignant coming out story set amidst the troubles of NI. In 1968 Matthew is a young schoolboy and his best friend, Danny is the wrong religion. The gradually increasing sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland tears their worlds apart. This is a story of how an isolated gay boy struggles to come to terms with his nature and his quest for fulfilment against an alien world of bombs, bullets and bigotry. Followed by a Q&A with Author, Director and Actors. Central Bar, Strabane | 10pm

www.foylepridefestival.com

Tues 20th August

THEATRE

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

Official After Party

FILM

She wants to be a What?!

TUESDAY 20 AUGUST

Tote Bag Design Workshop

An event for those who work with LGBT+ women and would like to be better equipped at supporting them in Domestic Violence situations. For more information contact amanda.mcgurk@ cara-friend.org.uk

Gwen is an open-minded mother, she is always out protesting to put the world to rights, she is liberal and believes in equal rights for everyone. Until… something happens to change her world. Performed by a local cast and directed by Patricia Byrne, this new drama explores the journey of a transgender man from a mother’s perspective. We are delighted to present this play as part of the 50 Years since Stonewall.

USA.2018. Director: Marielle Heller. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin. Duration: 1hr.46mins. Cert: 15 www.foylepridefestival.com

STORY

DROP - IN

Wed 21st August

Central Library | 10.15am

Foyle LGBT Centre | 1pm

Celebrate imagination and embrace diversity with this storytelling event in the Central Library. We will be bringing to life our favourite LGBTQ+ inclusive and feminist stories, helping children (and adults alike) imagine a world where people are not judged for their appearance or identity. Everyone welcome!

An advocacy drop-in providing advice on housing, hate crime, benefits and debt, legal matters and employment for anybody who identifies as LGBTQ+. PSNI, Housing Executive, Citizens Advice, Department for Communities and others will be present to answer any questions or queries and provide information on their services. For info contact eimear@rainbow-project.org

Life, Love, Legal

PERFORMANCE

Wed 21st August

Gender Reveal Party Old Ulster Bank Building 12pm-2pm Madame Mécanique is a performance artist based in the Netherlands. Earlier this year she spent some time in Derry seeing, speaking, listening, reading and researching and she’s returning in August to give something back. She’s throwing a party. A ‘Gender Reveal Party’. Let’s reveal the constructed nature of polarity.

www.foylepridefestival.com

FILM WORKSHOP

Wed 21st August

ONES TO WATCH YOUNG PROGRAMMERS PRESENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FOYLE FILM FESTIVAL AND THE OUT NORTH WEST PROJECT

Tote Bag Design Workshop

Wed 21st August

Old Ulster Bank Building 5.30pm

Nerve Centre | 5pm

What’s in your tote-bag? During this workshop you will get the possibility to explore and use your own creativity while decorating your own tote bag. What’s in your tote-bag? What does it contain or what do you want to say? Make your own personalised pride themed tote-bag. Make a statement, make it creative, make it yours. Explore, create and be proud.

WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST

Drag Queen Story Time

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST Cameron Post looks the part of a perfect high school girl. But after she’s caught with another girl in the back seat of a car on prom night, Cameron is quickly shipped off to a conversion therapy centre that treats teens “struggling with same-sex attraction.” At the facility, Cameron is subjected to outlandish discipline, dubious “de-gaying” methods. But this unusual setting also provides her with an unlikely gay community. For the first time, Cameron connects with peers, and she’s able to find her place among fellow outcasts. USA.2018. Director: Desiree Akhavan. Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Steven Hauck. Duration: 1hr.31mins. Cert: 15

www.foylepridefestival.com

LECTURE

Wednesday 21st August

FILM

Wednesday 21st August

COLETTE

Nerve Centre | 7pm WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST

UK/USA/France/Hungary/ Netherlands.2018. Director: Wash Westmoreland. Cast: Keira Knightley, Dominic West, Fiona Shaw. Duration: 1hr. 51mins. Cert: 15

www.foylepridefestival.com

Wed 21st August

Chicken Box Comedy Night Bennigans Bar | 8pm For it’s second year in a row this hilariously diverse lineup of acts is moving to Wednesday for Foyle Pride Week! You’re sure to laugh at least 3-4 times, a minute! To take part or to find out more about Chicken Box Special for Foyle Pride contact chickenboxcomedy on Facebook or email roryms@yahoo.com

TBC | 5pm In this public talk, Dr Deaglán Ó Donghaile will discuss Oscar Wilde’s 1882 tour of the United States, when he was welcomed by progressive communities across the country. However, he also encountered homophobia and anti-Irish prejudice and his American friends and admirers had to endure years of abuse after he left the USA. Wilde countered this prejudice and hostility with radical expressions of solidarity that continue to speak to us today across the distance of time. Drawing on new research, Dr Ó Donghaile will explore Wilde’s 1882 US tour in relation to its importance to the longer-term struggles of LGBTQ+ people both before and after Stonewall.

WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST

When she marries successful Parisian writer Henry Gauthier-Villars, Gabrielle Colette moves from her childhood home in rural France to the intellectual and artistic splendour of Paris. Soon Willy convinces Colette to ghost-write for him. Colette responds by writing a semiautobiographical novel about a witty and brazen country girl named Claudine, which becomes a bestseller and a cultural sensation. After it’s success, Colette and Willy are the toast of Paris and their adventures inspire additional Claudine novels. Colette’s fight over creative ownership of her work and gender roles drives her to overcome societal constraints, revolutionising literature, fashion and sexual expression.

COMEDY

Solidarity Across Time and Borders: Oscar Wilde’s American Tour and the Example of Stonewall

For further information please contact Jim at jimfelixdoc@hotmail. com or 07786746506.

www.foylepridefestival.com

Thurs 22nd August

Gender Reveal Party Old Ulster Bank Building 12pm-2pm

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST

Madame Mécanique is a performance artist based in the Netherlands. Earlier this year she spent some time in Derry seeing, speaking, listening, reading and researching and she’s returning in August to give something back. She’s throwing a party. A ‘Gender Reveal Party’. Let’s reveal the constructed nature of polarity. THEATRE

Thurs 22nd August

She wants to be a What?! Thurs 22nd August

Trans Tea

Foyle LGBT Centre | 3pm We would like to invite the Trans and Non- Binary communities and their families to join us for Afternoon Tea. Come enjoy tea cakes and sandwiches while you relax and socialise in a safe, comfortable and friendly space. Contact Éimear on 02871283030 or eimear@rainbow-project.org.

www.foylepridefestival.com

Playhouse Theatre | 7pm Gwen is an open-minded mother, she is always out protesting to put the world to rights, she is liberal and believes in equal rights for everyone. Until…something happens to change her world. Performed by a local cast and directed by Patricia Byrne, this new drama explores the journey of a transgender man from a mother’s perspective. We are delighted to present this play as part of the 50 Years since Stonewall celebrations.

FILM

Thursday 22nd August

BOY ERASED Nerve Centre | 7pm

Jared Eamons, an Arkansas college student who is an avid runner and an aspiring writer, is also gay. Or rather, he is in the midst of figuring that out about himself what it means, how he might act on it when his panicked parents enrol him in a conversion therapy program designed to change, or at least suppress, his sexuality.

“A finely crafted piece of cinema which handles its explosive subject with great delicacy… It’s an invitation to think.” Jennie Kermode, EyeForFilm

Australia/USA.2018. Director: Joel Edgerton. Cast: Nicole Kidman, Joel Edgerton, Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe. Duration: 1hr.54mins. Cert: 15

* NOMINATED FOR TWO GOLDEN GLOBES

www.foylepridefestival.com

TALK

FILM

DISCUSSION

Friday 23rd August

Journeys Alley Theatre, Strabane 10am-1pm

FRIDAY 23 AUGUST

Stories of the LGBT+ community in Strabane over the last 25 years. Come and hear personal interpretations by members of the LGBT+ community in the Strabane and surrounding areas.

WORKSHOP

Friday 23rd August

RIOT

THE HAPPY PRINCE Nerve Centre | 6pm In a dilapidated hotel room in Paris, Oscar Wilde lies on his deathbed. The past comes flooding back, taking him on a poignant journey through his past to other times and places. UK/Belgium/Italy/Germany.2018. Director: Rupert Everett. Cast: Rupert Everett, Emily Watson, Colin Firth, Colin Morgan, Edwin Thomas, Tom Wilkinson. Duration: 1hr.45mins. Cert: 15

Old Ulster Bank Building | 8pm A discussion looking at the importance of keeping Pride non-corporate, non-commercial and community led, especially as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Guests include Ida Jarsve from Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants, Dave Merchant from Unison and LGBTQ+ activists from around Ireland.

FILM

Friday 23rd August

LGBTQ+ Youth Takeover

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

VOID | 12pm -4pm

Nerve Centre | 8.30pm

A creative exploration of Activism. Hosted by artists we will use a range of different methods to explore the wide and wonderful world of activism through Art. Bring your ideas and passion and join the creative process! Open to all LGBTQ+ young people. To register for this event please contact colleen@outnorthwest.org

Hedwig, born male as Hansel in East Berlin, fell in love with an American G.I. and underwenta Gender Confirmation Surgery in order to marry him and flee to the West. Unfortunately, nothing worked out quite as it was supposed to.

www.foylepridefestival.com

Keeping the Protest in Pride

USA.2001. Director: John Cameron Mitchell. Cast: John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Michael Pitt. Duration: 1hr.35mins. Cert: 15

www.foylepridefestival.com

Saturday 24th August

Annual Foyle Pride Parade Assemble at the Railway Station Duke Street, Waterside | 1pm Saturday 24th August

Departing for Guildhall Square 2pm

Foyle LGBT Centre | 11am Adm. FREE

Following the route of the historic Civil Rights March of October 1968, the parade will make its way over Craigavon Bridge and through the historic Walled City ending up in the beautiful Guildhall Square where an afternoon of fun and frolics will commence. Wear your brightest colours and bring your drums and whistles and make yourself heard.Happy Foyle Pride!

Pride Brunch

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST

Come along to start the day with a healthy brunch to give you energy before the excitement of the parade!

Saturday 24th August

Family Fun Day Peace Garden | After the parade 3pm-5pm Hosted by HereNI. Face painters, circus skills workshop, bouncy castles and some fun entertainment for all the family! Also a quieter space for those who may be sensitive to loud music and/ or large crowds.

www.foylepridefestival.com

The Pink Mile

DAY T H REE Foyle Pride welcomes you to the Pink Mile our list

overwhelmed during the day. The Guildhall Square can be quite loud and busy so it’s a nice way of enjoying the music and the festivities away from the madness.

Bars & Cafés

Transport will be available for anybody who would like to take part in the parade but cannot walk the full route due to mobility, sensory or mental health issues. Contact us for more info via our Facebook page, or call 02871283030.

Accessibility As we’re organising Foyle Pride, it’s important that our programme is as representative of the full LGBTQ+ community as it can be. We recognise that equality cannot be won until everybody has the same opportunities. We try our best to make sure that our festival is as accessible to everybody as possible, including people with disabilities. Here are some things we’ve improved on to make it a wee bit easier to attend our events;

Parade Day A quiet room will be available within The Guildhall during the post-parade festivities for anybody to avail of. A Mobi-Loo will be positioned on Whitaker Street (Beside Guildhall between Guildhall Square and Peace Garden) and available for use throughout the day. This is a mobile accessible toilet with adult-sized changing bench and hoist Our family area in the Peace Garden will provide a quieter, more relaxed and spacious setting for anybody who may feel

www.foylepridefestival.com

We will have a dedicated Disability Viewing Platform available in front of the main stage, with easy access in and out. Our volunteers are also on hand to assist on the day – we’ll be wearing hi-vis jackets.

of bars and Cafés that we highly recommend as safe welcoming and fun spaces for Pride regulars and visitors to the city.

QUAYWEST

12 11

DUNGLOE

Throughout the week; Most of our events are taking place in step-free buildings or in buildings with wheelchair/pushchair access such as ramps or lifts.

MEKONG

Some venues operate a Hearing Loop system – these are clearly marked on entry to the building and at the reception. Grab a volunteer if you’re unsure! Venues such as The Playhouse are part of the council-led Autism initiative therefore appropriate signage, name badges and sound-warnings are used throughout the building. If you require an interpreter for an event you wish to attend, please get in touch. We’ll do our best to accommodate this with some notice We try to do our best on the day, however if you find that we could make improvements in this area we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch via our Facebook page, or call 02871283030.

1. Bennigan’s Bar, John Street 2. Fitzroys, Bridge Street 3. Sandinos, Water Street 4. Pickled Duck, Guildhall Square 5. Brickwork 6. The Sandwich Company, Bishop St 7. Mekong, Magazine Street 8. Cow Bog, Waterloo St 9. The Dungloe, Waterloo St 10. Paedar O’Donnell’s, Waterloo St 11. Central Bar, Strand Road 12. Coffee Tree, Strand Rd 13. Tap House, Custom House St 14. Quaywest, Boating Club Lane

FITZROYS

Cow Bog

coffee tree

www.foylepridefestival.com

Message from Chairperson The purpose of Pride is multi-faceted. It’s to bring LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront. It’s to campaign for LGBTQ+ rights across the globe. It’s to increase the visibility of the local LGBTQ+ community, and the services which are available to them and their families. It’s to empower the community, and to celebrate the vibrance and energy that comes with being queer. Foyle Pride is the longest running noncorporate, non-commercial Pride festival in the UK and Ireland. For over 25 years Foyle Pride has been organised to bring all of these qualities to the North West of Ireland. Local activists work tirelessly year on year to ensure that LGBTQ+ lives in the North West are heard, and also use their privileged position to amplify the stories of queer people across the globe who do not have the platform, or feel unsafe to speak out.

Yes, visibility is important. But we do not need to rely on major corporations and big businesses to get us there. Allowing major corporations to partake in Pride parades and advertise during Pride season gives them control over our Pride movement. We are not powerless without this, we are powerful in numbers and we’re seeing that now with more and more non-corporate ‘fringe’ Prides being organised across the UK in response to the huge in-accessible Prides we see today. This involvement takes the focus away from the community organisations and charities who work to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people all year round. Let’s not forget that these inequalities go beyond what major media outlets tell us and as a Pride I feel that it’s our responsibility to organise events which address and tackle these issues. Pride was born of a need to fight back against unequal treatment and oppression. This is where our roots are, and this is how we’ve continued to grow. This year Foyle Pride will highlight the importance of keeping Pride political and community led in honour of the Stonewall Uprising. We are a small group of committed people living in Derry, volunteering to make this festival happen on a small budget. What we have here is unique, and something we’re incredibly proud of. When I think about Pride, I think about the people who created our gorgeous festival and all of the people who have been involved in

www.foylepridefestival.com

some way over the last 26 years; either as an organiser, a volunteer or even just by bringing their family and friends along to our events and parade. Going forward we want to make sure that we’re as accessible and as representative as we can be. The group of people who organise this festival are the most committed people I’ve ever met. They put in countless hours to ensure that we have a programme ready by the summer. They’re mums, uncles, aunties, sisters, brothers, managers, advisors, support workers, youth workers, trade unionists all with the shared aim to promote real equality on our wee patch of the world. They’re my heroes and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for being the best teammates anybody could ever ask for. Foyle Pride is a family and a community, and it’s been a dream to be part of this for the last few years. After this year I’ll be standing down as Chairperson. It’s important that we all have the opportunity to work as part of this team and I feel it’s time for new energy. I owe so much to this festival, and the things that I’ve learned from past committee members will stick with me through life - however I’m excited to see how the festival grows in the future. I look forward to attending the festival as a member of the public, cheering the organising committee on from the sidelines.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Éimear Willis, Chairperson Foyle Pride www.foylepridefestival.com

in your local AREA we provide these services and much much more for our LGB&/T COMMUNITY

VICTIM SUPPORT TRAINING & EDUCATION Counselling social opportunities family support Sexual Health Advice & Support www.rainbow-project.org

02871 283030

www.foylepridefestival.com

Wishing every success to all at Foyle P ride 2018 2019

Open:

24/7 t: 028 7126 4466

PROUD TO SUPPORT

2019 30

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RETAIL

CONSULT HR

Choose from seven cosy cafes to relax, or get food to go

How to Handle the Top Staffing Struggles in the Hospitality & Tourism Sector It is fantastic to see that year on year the visitor numbers to DerryLondonderry and Northern Ireland are on the rise. Julie Pollock, Owner from Consult HR says “many businesses in the Hospitality and Tourism sector struggle with issues such as :-ongoing skills shortages …Chef’s are like ‘hens teeth’, the continuous rise of staffing costs such as the National Minimum Wage rates and employer pension contributions, the ongoing searches for quality staff who will deliver exceptional customer service to achieve that 5 star visitor experience.”

The Sandwich Co has been serving the community with highquality products since 1991. Our cafes provide a sense of art and culture across different areas that provide a uniqueness coupled with the reliable quality of our food and drinks. Our catering has been the trusted service for thousands of people to help them cater for guests during good times and bad

Here are my Top Tips on how you can manage these:-

Check out our web site thesandwich.co for online ordering and events

Struggling with recruitment? – choose the correct recruitment method for your target market.

THE DIAMOND SPENCER ROAD LISNAGELVIN COLERAINE LETTERKENNY OMAGH ON THE QUAY

visit theSandwich.co

on the quay

In a recent survey the # 1 recruitment tool to source job seekers was employee referral, followed by the company’s website and social media accounts. In this competitive market, employers now need to be seen as attractive to the job applicants. Here are some innovative recruitment ideas to consider: Job fairs: Try showcasing your business by hosting an open house for the public or holding an internal job fair. Non-traditional methods: A written job description on a job search site won’t necessarily make you stand out. A video or podcast, however, will do just that. Using non-traditional recruiting media is also your chance to convey your brand, what it is like to work there. It could be a fun video on YouTube, or a podcast where a current employee describes the position and your company. Look for talent in other industries: Are you receiving great service at a store? Let that person know that there are opportunities at your business. You can teach the skills required, but it is much harder to teach someone the willingness to go the extra mile or bring passion to the workplace. Use multicultural newspapers and community centers to attract

newcomers or offer mentoring to new immigrants as a way to connect and engage with them. Add a line to your company email signature indicating that you are hiring to spread the word.

How do you ensure your staff stay?

Julie Pollock, Owner from Consult HR

Staff turnover in the hospitality and tourism industries are set to be around 66%. Why? The key is demographics: 2016 is the first year that millennials outnumber every other demographic group in the workforce. The expectation of the millennials is different from other demographics. These are workers who expect to set their own career path, whose loyalty to an employer is lower and whose demand for feedback is higher than ever. Examples of how to encourage staff to stay in your employment:• Introduce buddy system so staff feel welcomed from day one. • Introduce recognition schemes so that staff feel valued i.e. employee of the month • Introduce a staff suggestion scheme with a reward scheme attached. • Find out what each individual employee wants out of their career and how you can help them achieve that.

Does your staff really know what is expected of them? I have seen it so many times where an employee is recruited, they are given a job title without an explanation of what it is that their manager wants them to do. The employee goes off undertaking the tasks that they ‘think’ they are expected to do. So, the manager gets the impression the employee is not ‘fit’ for the job because they are not undertaking the tasks they wanted/expected them to do, but in actual fact this may have been down to a lack of communication.

So be clear on what their responsibilities are, what you expect them to do on a day to day basis, draw up a job description of their duties and set out what targets you expect them to achieve in their role, this will avoid any confusion and misunderstanding of roles.

What are the benefits of proper employment contracts? It is a legal requirement that all employees, irrelevant of sector, are issued with terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of commencing employment. Within the hospitality and tourism sector it is renowned that a significant number of staff are hired for a specific period to cover peak business periods and return to that employer year on year to work. Employers should ensure that they issue their staff with contracts clearly specifying their employment period with start and end dates. This will ensure that staff do not claim continuous service for several years and will protect your business from exposure to claims such as unfair dismissal, redundancy payments etc.

We are here to help For expert advice on any employment issue you would like some advice on contact Julie Pollock on 07858089006 or julie@consulthr.co.uk to discuss further. Also connect with us on Linked-In, Twitter or Facebook for regular updates on managing staff.

“Jon Hanna was uncompromisingly and unapologetically himself. He was a leader for our communities, someone who led the way for many of us, whether literally at a march giving us sun cream, badges and a sure stride to follow, or inspiring with reassuring words in our community spaces, both on and offline.” Bi+ Ireland. Foyle Pride continues to be inspired by Jon’s courage, passion and leadership and we pay tribute to his amazing legacy. Sending our love and solidarity to his family, friends and to all who knew and loved him.

“UNISON Community is the largest trade union branch within the Community Sector with the main ethos of fighting for our members on a socialist platform, a platform which creates and embodies the mechanisms for solidarity and worker unity. On behalf of our membership we will continue to organise, agitate and always remain standing.”

PRIDE

in the Union

PROUD TO SUPPORT FOYLE PRIDE Email: lgbtni@unison.co.uk Tel: 02890270190 www.unison.org.uk/out

“LGBTQ+ workers face harassment and discrimination. It can be hard to deal with on your own. Joining UNISON gives you a voice in the UK’s largest public service union, committed to working for LGB&T+ rights. LGB&T+ members organise locally and nationally to support each other, to identify and challenge discrimination, to increase awareness of LGB&T+ rights and to campaign for change.”

Join us in UNISON - stronger together.

SDLP proudly supporting Foyle Pride 2019

Alliance has continually stood up for LGBTQ rights, signalling that homophobia and transphobia is never acceptable. Without equality for all we will never secure a truly shared society.

Tel. 028 71 360700 www.sdlp.ie

Wishing everyone taking part a fantastic Foyle Pride

www.foylepridefestival.com

THE NORTH WESTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST...

Circus, Arts & Music festival

SUPPORTING OUR BESTIES AT PRIDE!

CUS PRESEN IN YOUR SPACE CIR

2019

31 ST AUG-1ST SEPT Brooke Park, DERRY- LONDONDERRY From 1pm 36