AWARDS have been handed out to a number of people and groups who have supported the LGBTQIA+ community in Dursley. 

Dursley Pride have been awarding certificates to individuals to recognise their efforts in supporting inclusivity and for creating safe and welcoming spaces in the town. 

Certificates were given by Dursley Pride chairman Tyler White to Rednock School, Spring Villa sports bar and cafe, Arpers and the former owners of First Class All Sorts. 

Mr White, a town councillor and an organiser who is transgender said: “I had the certificate idea as its pride month and as Dursley Pride has now been going a year, to thank local people who have helped us so much. 

“Also especially to Rednock for promoting inclusivity within the school. 

“I think these appreciation awards were all greatly deserved.

Gazette Series: Dursley Pride chairman Tyler White handing certificates to the former owners of First Class All Sorts, Arpers, Rednock School and Spring Villa sports bar and cafeDursley Pride chairman Tyler White handing certificates to the former owners of First Class All Sorts, Arpers, Rednock School and Spring Villa sports bar and cafe (Image: Dursley Pride)

“Maria from Arpers received it for being a huge supporter of Dursley Pride and donating a lot of items and allowing us to have a collection pot in her shop. Arpers is also a LGBTQIA+ safe and friendly shop.

“Sarah and Phil from Spring Villa received theirs for being very supportive of Dursley Pride, being an inclusive and safe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

“Steve and Caroline (First Class All Sorts) received theirs for being very supportive of Dursley Pride and donating several pride items last year.”

Gazette Series: Hundreds attended the first Dursley Pride event in August last year - photo by Simon Pizzey Hundreds attended the first Dursley Pride event in August last year - photo by Simon Pizzey

Last year's event in Dursley was the town's first pride in August, with hundreds of people taking part in the giant parade and enjoying live performances by local drag queens.

Pride is a public event, usually involving a parade, to celebrate gay and other LGBTQIA+ people, culture and experiences.

LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more.

This year’s Dursley Pride is due to take place on Saturday, September 23. 

Gazette Series: L to R; Elijsah Mei, co-organiser, Maddie Harrington, Alex Griffiths, Morgan Thomas, Tyler White organiser at Dursley Pride last year - photo by Simon Pizzey L to R; Elijsah Mei, co-organiser, Maddie Harrington, Alex Griffiths, Morgan Thomas, Tyler White organiser at Dursley Pride last year - photo by Simon Pizzey