Fringe event at Wolves Pride to host talks

A series of interesting and thought provoking talks will be taking place at the University of Wolverhampton as part of a Fringe event at Wolves Pride.

Organised by the University, Wolverhampton Homes and City of Wolverhampton Council, Wolves Pride is taking place on Saturday, 30 September 2017.

The Fringe event will be hosted in the University’s Harrison Learning Centre in the Ambika Paul Building from 1pm.

Speaking at the event are:

• Councillor Anwen Muston on the history of Transpeople serving in the military
• Caroline Paige, author of True Colours, on her experiences of transitioning whilst an officer in the Royal Air Force
• Jack Sexsmith, pro-wrestler, about his experiences of being out as a pansexual
• Darryl Griffiths, in-house film critic at the Light House, about LGBT+ representation in films 

The Fringe will begin with a drinks reception to celebrate the launch of the Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance, with short speeches from local LGBT leaders. It will end with a special chance for local LGBT people and allies to take the stage. Whether you want to perform your art, speak your mind or do both at the same time, the Open Mic session will be your chance!

Will Cooling, Head of Equality and Diversity at the University of Wolverhampton, explained: “I've been going to LGBT Prides for over 12 years, and at every Pride I've heard people complain about the lack of political and cultural content. I hope that The Fringe fills that void, ensuring that in addition to the music and family-activities outside, Wolves Pride provides people with a unique opportunity to reflect on LGBT history, culture and identity.”

The full line-up is as follows:

1pm to 1.45pm: Official Launch of Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance

A drinks reception to celebrate the launch of the Wolverhampton LGBT. A chance to hear from local figures about the Alliance’s plans and to suggest possible issues it could explore.

1.45pm to 3pm: TransMilitary

As America struggles to accept Trans people serving in the military, Anwen Muston talks about the history of Transpeople serving in the armed forces before Caroline Paige speaks about her experiences of being the first person to service in the British armed forces whilst transitioning. Anwen served in the Armed Forces for over 23 years and is currently a City of Wolverhampton Councillor. Caroline was a jet and helicopter navigator in the Royal Air Force, and recently released a memoir entitled True Colours.

3pm to 4pm: Being LGBT+ in the Squared Circle & Meaning of Pansexuality

Will Cooling speaks to Jack Sexsmith about the history of LGBT+ people in pro-wrestling and how fans have responded to him being open about his pansexuality. They then talk about what his pansexuality means to him. Jack Sexsmith is a British pro-wrestler who regularly appears for Progress Wrestling, one of the world’s leading indie promotions. Will Cooling covers pro-wrestling for Fighting Spirit Magazine.

4.30pm to 5.30pm: LGBT+ In Films

Film Reviewer Daryl Griffiths talks about the two hottest LGBT films of the year; God’s Own Country and Moonlight, both of which will be shown in Wolverhampton during October. There will then be a discussion about of the greatest LGBT films. 

5.30pm to 7pm: Open Mic

The Wolves Pride Fringe will end with a special chance for local LGBT people and allies to take the stage. Whether you want to perform your art, speak your mind or do both at the same time, this is your chance!

More than 6,000 free tickets have so far been snapped up for Wolves Pride. It will feature a broad range of music, live entertainment and performers, as well as a fantastic range of street food, bars, information stands, merchandise stalls, and a family area with fun activities for the children – including the ‘Big Howl’ Guinness World Record attempt. Headline acts include S Club, soul sensation Jaki Graham, and former university student Amy G. The dance tent, hosted by Gorgeous Nightclub, will feature ILL PHIL, Lisa Sharred, Wayne H, James Ball b2b Mark Chapman, plus Gorgeous Nightclub residents James Levett and Jonny Chapman.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “As the ‘University of Opportunity’ we are always keen to work with our partners and neighbours for the betterment of the local community. We believe that by supporting Wolves Pride we can ensure that everyone enjoys a fun event, which also affirms the importance that the City and the University places on LGBT Equality.  We are especially pleased that this event will fall within our Welcome to Wolves induction programme, and so it will be a unique opportunity to bring together students from across our campuses to celebrate the diversity of our community.” 

Tickets are free if you book in advance and admission without a ticket on the day will incur a small charge of £2 on the gate, with £1 going to charity and £1 to event costs.

Further information

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: Thursday, 28 September 2017