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Oxford Pride is a registered charity run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Membership of Oxford Pride is open to all.
Oxford Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer life in Oxfordshire. The events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBTQI+ issues and lifestyles by providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our patrons Paul O’Grady MBE.
Paul as his alter ego Lily Savage was a mainstay of the drag scene in London during the 80s and a vocal campaigner for LGBT+ and animal rights across the decades. In the 90s Lily became a TV personality entertaining millions in shows like The Big Breakfast before moving on to hosting family shows like Blankety Blank.
Mainstream TV viewers got to know him in The Paul O’Grady show amongst other TV and radio appearances. Many audiences were introduced to his gentle side with his show For the Love of Dogs where he often fell for unwanted pets (some of which made their way home with him) from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
He was made an MBE in 2008 and won a TV Bafta, British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award during his career. In 2022 he was given a Rainbow Honour “for his stellar work to advance the rights of LGBTQI people in Britain and around the World”
Our thoughts are with his husband, family, and friends at this time. RIP
In keeping with Oxford’s queer history Oxford Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire.
From its first Pride Day on 3 May 2003, it has continued to evolve adding a Parade and Festival throughout the years.
We are honoured to acknowledge the founding Members of Oxford Pride:
OXFORD PRIDE @ 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Registered in England & Wales limited by guarantee with no share capital 04662488 and a registered charity 1151400
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Debbie is originally from Wales and came to Oxford having lived in London for 30 years followed by a couple of years in Brighton. She is a specialist IT Trainer working with people with disabilities with a charity background including fundraising and social media.
Debbie became Chair of Oxford Pride in 2019 and was re-elected to the role for 2022 and the upcoming 20th Anniversary.
Debbie serves as VP of Member Services for InterPride – The International Association of Pride Organisers. She works with Witney Pride and other local Prides to help put on events locally.
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Paul joined Oxford Pride as a Non-Executive Director in 2016. He was later Chair in 2018. Whilst he was Chair the Oxford Bus Company Pride bus hit our city’s streets helping to increase our visibility throughout Oxford and the county.
Paul has worked in the hospitality and aviation industries and specifically within the Finance, Treasury, Procurement and Legal functions.
Its Paul’s role to manage our money. In consultation with the team Paul makes sure realistic budgets are set and that we understand how our money is earnt and spent.
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Mazz was elected as Oxford Pride’s first female Chair in 2007. She founded the Oxford Pride Parade in 2008.
Mazz collaborated with local groups and organisations to expand Pride Day into an annual Arts & Culture Festival to better reflect the diversity and unique qualities of Oxford.
She helped Oxford Pride become a registered charity in 2013, with the relocation of the event to Paradise Street in 2015 and the expansion of Pride Day into Leiden Square in 2019.
Mazz is a portrait and event photographer, graphic designer and human rights advocate.
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Nick joined Oxford Pride as a Non-Exec Director in November 2022. He has worked for the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School since the summer of 2017 where he is part of the University’s LGBTQI+ group. Nick brings over 30 years of business experience to the role, as well as being a qualified coach and mentor, to provide oversight, governance and support for Oxford Pride’s activities. He strongly believes in people being able to be their authentic selves and to have the right to live in freedom and safety. Nick is a keen gardener, baker, gym goer and cat dad to Kumquat, Tilikum and Eartha Mae.
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Rob first became involved with Oxford Pride fundraising for the inaugural event, and in the fifth year celebrations served in his first term as Chair.
He rejoined the committee in 2014 as Director and Chair, during this time the event was moved to the Oxford Castle Quarter, bringing the event into the heart of the city.
After a three year stint Rob, stepped down to pursue other projects. Now one of the owners of the Jolly Farmers, Rob returns to the Committee as Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer, to help the team make the 20th Anniversary extra special.
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Becca has lived in Oxford all her life and has been involved with Oxford Pride off and on for the last six years.
She works for the University of Oxford and is involved with several Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working groups, within her department and in the Medical Sciences Division.
She is very happy to be the Volunteer Officer for Pride 2023 and looks forward to recruiting people who want to build on the successes of our previous events.
Let her know if you’re excited for our anniversary year and want to get involved!
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Michelle is a proud Oxford townie. After studying in Winchester, the US and Leicester, she returned to teach at The Cherwell School.
Michelle believes strongly in intersectional social justice and equality; which has led to her being an active trade unionist as part of Oxfordshire NASUWT – the teachers union.
After her 4 years as the first Black, queer woman NASUWT President she is now in post as the 2022/23 Honorary Treasurer. Michelle also sits on the TUC General Council, LGBTI Committee, Black Workers Committee and Women’s Committee.
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Paul O’Grady MBE was a beloved British comedian, television presenter, actor, writer, radio host, producer, and former drag queen. He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, with which he went mainstream in the 1990s.
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Clare Summerskill is an independent academic researcher who has recently completed her PhD at Royal Holloway University of London in the Drama department. She is chair and co-founder of the UK’s Oral History Society LGBTQ Special Interest Group. She is also a playwright, stand-up and singer-songwriter.
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