OXFORD PRIDE

About Us

about oxford pride

Who we are

Oxford Pride is a registered charity run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Membership in Oxford Pride is open to all.

We hold events and collaborate with other organisations throughout the year to create safe, diverse and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community where everyone feels respected and welcome.

The highlight of the year is the Pride Festival and Pride Day with the Parade making its way through the streets of Oxford.

The events supported or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and lifestyles by providing information, education, and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.

Oxford Pride logo with text
Transgender Oxford Pride logo
Pansexual Oxford Pride logo
Oxford Pride logo for Bi-visibility

Stay in the Loop!

Join the Oxford Pride Newsletter

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of LGBTQIA+ events, news, and celebrations in Oxford? Look no further! The Oxford Pride Newsletter is your gateway to all things fabulous and inclusive.

Be Proud. Be Informed. Be a Part of Oxford Pride!

meet our fabulous team

Directors and Trustees

Rob Jordan headshot

Rob Jordan
Chair
he/him

Rowena Holland-Berry
Secretary
she/her

Stephen Chadd
Treasurer
he/him

Matthew Standage
Non-Executive Director
he/him

Nick Blandford headshot

Nick Blandford
Non-executive Director
he/him

Officers

Tamsin & Pete
Accessibility Officers
she/her & he/him

Paul Batey
Communications Officer
he/him

Addi Haran Diman
Community Officer
she/her

Mary Helen Mack Last
Creative Officer
she/her/they

Dean Rose

Dean Rose
Entertainment Officer
he/him

Becca Chaplin headshot

Becca Chaplin
Fundraising & Events Officer
she/her

Rob Bateman
Marketplace Officer
he/him

Tom Clarke
Operations Officer
he/him

Debbie Hollingsworth
Parade Officer
she/her

Kevin Bird
Parade Officer
he/him

Salvatore Iozzia

Salvatore Iozzia
Volunteer Officer
he/him

Nico Zonias

Nico Zonias
Website Officer
he/him

Patrons

Sir Ian McKellan headshot

Sir Ian Mckellan CH CBE
Patron
he/him

Angela Eagle headshot

Angela Eagle DBE MP
Patron
she/her

Lord Michael Cashman headshot

Lord Michael Cashman CBE
Patron
he/him

Lord Waheed Ali headshot

Lord Waheed Ali
Patron
he/him

Clare Summerskill headshot

Clare Summerskill
Patron
she/her

Peter Tatchell headshot

Peter Tatchell
Patron
he/him

In memoriam

Paul O’Grady

A long-time patron of this charity. Paul was a familiar face on the drag scene in London during the 80s and a vocal campaigner for LGBTQIA+ and animal rights until his death.

Live your true colours banner at Oxford Pride Day 2019

oxford pride history

how it all started

In keeping with Oxford’s queer history Oxford Pride celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual people and persons of other sexual orientations, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics in Oxfordshire.

From its first Pride Day on 3 May 2003, it has continued to evolve adding a Parade and Festival throughout the years.

founding members

We are honoured to acknowledge the founding Members of Oxford Pride:

Rob Jordan headshot

Rob Jordan

Chair

he/him

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 returned to the Committee as Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer in 2022, and in 2024/2025 takes the reigns once again in his third term as Chair.

Rowena Holland-Berr

Secretary

she/her

Hi, I’m Rowena and I’m 36 years old and live in Bicester with my better half (my wife Fiona) and my cheeky (but adorable!) dog called LiL.

I work in Oxford and love this beautiful city because of its diversity and people, its traditions and history, and its progressiveness.

I’m very excited to have the honour of being the Oxford Pride Secretary for the next 2 years and can’t wait to be a part of supporting amazing Pride-led events for the future.

Stephen Chadd

Treasurer

he/him

I’ve lived in Oxfordshire for nearly 25 years. I am studying Primary Education at Oxford Brookes University. I am looking forward to helping shape Oxford Pride for the future.

Matthew Standage

Non-executive Director

he/him

Matthew joined Oxford Pride as a Non-Exec Director in November 2023, having previously served on the committee in 2017-18. He lives in Oxford and has participated in Oxford Pride, as well as others around the country for several years.

Matthew brings over a decade of experience in information technology and user-centred design to the role, as well as experience in teaching and course development.

He is a qualified Scuba Diving instructor and has overseen the instruction of students and diving expeditions both in the UK and Internationally. He also held leadership roles in organisations that support local charities and non-profits.

Matthew hopes to support the committee to ensure the present and future success of Oxford Pride and its charitable objectives.

Nick Blandford headshot

Nick Blandford

Non-executive Director

he/him

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 LGBTQIA+ 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 Tilikum and Eartha Mae.

Pete & Tamsin Stevenson

Accessibility Officers

he/him & she/her

Aged 50/48 and have settled in Oxford having previously lived in West Oxon area for 9 years in total, whilst posted to RAF Brize Norton. Parents to two (Grace and Will) now both adults. We become involved in Oxford Pride last year as volunteers, whilst supporting our son, and we both wanted to get further involved.

Paul Batey

Communications Officer

he/him

Hi I’m Paul, I live in Bicester and work in Oxford. I have always volunteered for worthy causes. This is my first involvement with Pride and I am pleased to have the chance to champion acceptance and inclusion for all.

Addi (Amiad) Haran Diman

Community Officer

she/her

Addi (Amiad) Haran Diman is a final year Ph.D. researcher in Politics and the Menashe Ben Israel Scholar at Lincoln College. Over the years she has taught at numerous colleges and departments, including classes on quantitative methods at the ODID and DPIR. 

Addi is an advocate on a range of issues relating to diversity, equality, and inclusion. She served in a range of roles in the Oxford University LGBTQIA+ Society, Oxford’s largest students society and the UK’s largest and oldest LGBTQIA+ student society, since 2022, first elected as postgraduate and staff officer, then promoted to executive social secretary, and in 2023 she was elected President. In this role, she doubled the number of welfare events the society runs to 100 events a term and pursued advocacy aimed at protecting the welfare of the Oxford queer community. 

She is the founder of Oxford Trans+ Pride, has appeared in a large variety of national media organisations to discuss trans rights, and has been working with the university to promote trans inclusion.

Mary Helen Mack Last

Creative Officer

she/her/they

Mary Helen moved to Oxford in 2019 and after emerging from their flat after lockdowns began to start living there fully. Having been born and raised in Oregon and gone to University in California, she originally came to England for a study abroad in Brighton and then an MA from Central Saint Martins, they have now invaded Oxford to set up permanent roots. She is currently at the beginning of her studies for a Ph.D. in Information Science, and in her spare time enjoys many forms of art, including life drawing, and painting, and is also an extremely voracious reader who enjoys boxing and weightlifting. 

She lives with her partner Alex and cat Poppet. 

Dean Rose

Dean Rose

Entertainment Officer

he/him

I’m Dean, 50 years old from Bicester. Dad of 2 teens. Yes Kevin and Perry are real. I have been coming to Oxford Pride for the past 7 years and I’m looking forward to joining the team for Pride 2024.
Becca Chaplin headshot

Becca Chaplin

Fundraising & Events Officer

she/her

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 Fundraising and Events Officer for Pride 2024 and looks forward to building on the successes of our previous events and helping Oxford Pride grow and foster long-term relationships with local and national businesses.

Rob Bateman

Marketplace Officer

he/him

I’m Rob living in Radley with my partner Ben and having lived, worked, and grewn up in the Oxford area since I was 8 years old; I love Oxford!

I attended the 1st Oxford Pride and have been a supporter ever since. My second time round on the Oxford Pride committee brings me great joy and I am looking forward to supporting our community again.

Tom Clarke

Operations Officer

he/him

Tom has been a proud member of Oxford’s LGBTQ+ community for over two decades, during which time he has been involved in Pride previously and actively involved in running Northgate Hall for many years.

Tom has worked extensively in the Retail Healthcare sector, alongside being an experienced Retail Manager, he is a qualified Healthcare Professional providing a broad range of services and support to Oxfordshire’s residents.

He believes that Oxford Pride is about providing a space and opportunity for every individual within our diverse community to be (and celebrate) who they are.

By bringing skills and experience from the business sector to a more community-focused context, he believes this will enable Oxford Pride to continue to grow and extend its reach, enabling every member of our community to participate, enjoy, and shape Pride into what they need it to be.

Debbie Hollingsworth

Parade Officer

she/her

I left London in 2002 to come to Oxford to study industrial relations at Ruskin college. I went on to complete a BA social work degree and at the end of that decided to stay in Oxford. I have worked in the community sector in social care since 2008. I attended the very first Oxford pride and think I’ve been to all subsequent ones. For several years I was part of the organising committee. I love the cinema and theatre and volunteer at the UPP off cowley road. Looking forward to being part of the 2024 pride.

Kevin Bird

Parade Officer

he/him

Hi I’m Kev, I am 49 and currently living in Bicester where I have been for the last 3 years to be with my partner Dean, I am also soon to be step dad to 2 teenagers. I have been going to Oxford pride for the last 2 years and I am looking forward to joining the team for 2024.

Salvatore Iozzia

Salvatore Iozzia

Volunteer Officer

he/him

My name is Salvatore (Salva). Volunteering for me has always been one of the best things I could do, and back in my country (Italy), I was involved in a lot of activities with nonprofit organisations, like FoodBank and Community Accommodation Group for people with disabilities.

I volunteered in Oxford Pride 2023 and as it was an amazing experience, I decided to get more involved and help the community.

What you get back from volunteering is priceless: all the smiles, the love, and the feeling of doing good for the community, meeting new people, sharing experiences, and making new friendships. WOW.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Oxford Pride 2024. Join the team, it will be amazing!

Nico Zonias

Nico Zonias

Website Officer

he/him

Nico is a web developer with 5+ years of experience in the tech industry. In his spare time, Nico dedicates himself to supporting charities, non-profit organisations, community groups, and freelancers in establishing their online presence. 

He actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, as part of the Oxford Pride committee, and promotes the representation of BME individuals as the lead developer for Black Artforms and Black Leaders in Healthcare.

Sir Ian McKellan headshot

Sir Ian Mckellan CH CBE

Patron

he/him

Sir Ian McKellen CH CBE is an English actor. His career spans six decades, having performed in genres ranging from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. Ian has been open about his sexuality since 1988, and continues to champion LGBTQIA+ social movements worldwide.

Angela Eagle headshot

Angela Eagle DBE MP

Patron

she/her

Dame Angela Eagle DBE is a British Labour Party politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Wallasey since 1992. Eagle was born in Yorkshire and studied PPE at the University of Oxford, before working for the CBI and then a trade union.
Lord Michael Cashman headshot

Lord Michael Cashman CBE

Patron

he/him

Lord Michael Cashman CBE is a British politician, LGBT rights activist and actor. He was a Labour Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands constituency from 1999 until he stood down in 2014. He has since been appointed to the House of Lords. In September 2014, Cashman was appointed Labour’s special envoy on LGBTQIA+ issues worldwide. He resigned from the Labour Party in May 2019 in opposition to Brexit, and offered his support to the Liberal Democrats.

Lord Waheed Ali headshot

Lord Waheed Ali

Patron

he/him

Lord Waheed Alli is a media entrepreneur and politician. He is the co-creator of the television series Survivor and has held executive positions at several television production companies including the Endemol Shine Group, Carlton Television Productions, Planet 24, and Chorion.
Clare Summerskill headshot

Clare Summerskill

Patron

she/her

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 LGBTQIA+ Special Interest Group. She is also a playwright, stand-up and singer-songwriter.

Peter Tatchell headshot

Peter Tatchell

Patron

he/him

Peter Tatchell is a British human rights campaigner, originally from Australia, best known for his work with LGBTQIA+ social movements. Tatchell was selected as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for Bermondsey in 1981.

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