PRIDE: Oxford Pride Kicks Off Pride Week

<p>Oxford Pride is readying to kick off it's Pride week with its launch on the 31st May.</p> <p>by Newsdesk | 30th May 2013</p><p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4591994770.jpg" width="460" height="309" alt="Oxford Pride" title="Oxford Pride"/></p> <p></p><p>The Pride which celebrates its tenth year, is kicking off its Pride week with a launch party at the Boiler Room Gallery, Jam Factory, 27 Park End Street OX1 1HU - Featuring speeches & entertainment including an interactive performance by Stavroula Kounadea</p><p></p><p>Then later on there is the after party at The Plush Lounge, 27 Park End Street OX1 1HU - Sponsored by Plush. Open to the public from 10.00pm to late.</p><p></p><p>In March 2013 Oxford Pride received registered charity status.</p><p></p><p>NOT THERE YET</p><p>Oxford Pride's theme for Pride 2013 is “Not There Yet”, examining that whilst we have come a long way in recent years in terms of LGBT rights, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality.</p><p></p><p>Globally, there are over seventy countries that outlaw homosexuality, and far more where same-sex marriages are not permitted, whether labelled as ‘marriage’ or otherwise. Despite the fact that homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty in Uganda, LGBT Ugandans held their first Pride </p><p>Parade last year with nearly a hundred risking their lives and turning ut for the festivities.</p><p></p><p>Whilst we in the UK don’t have to fear legal repercussions for our orientation or gender identities like many in other countries do, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality, and the ability to live free from discrimination.</p><p></p><p></p><p>OXFORD PRIDE is a 10-day arts and cultural festival from Friday 31 May to Sunday 9 June. You are invited to join in the celebration of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire. </p><p> </p>