LGBT+ Safe Space launches today for Eurovision

With thousands more LGBT+ people due to arrive in the city over the next days and weeks – it is important that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time in our amazing city.

Pride House Liverpool, is a community safe space featuring cafe, bar, exhibitions, and community stalls delivered by LCR Pride Foundation. It has been officially opened by Martin Green, Managing Director of Eurovision, and BBC Commentator Rylan Clark.

Pride House is located in the RIBA North, National Architecture Centre at Mann Island, and offers a calmer space where all are welcome.

Open 9am to 5pm every day from today, Tuesday 2 May, until the Eurovision final on Saturday 13 May, the space features pop-up stalls from local traders, support services and agencies working to keep visitors and locals alike safe during the contest.

Rylan and Martin Green open Pride House in time for Eurovision. Credit: kelphie.px (Instagram)

Andi Herring, CEO and Co-Founder of LCR Pride Foundation said:

“All the time when we talk to communities about feeling safe and supported, they tell us having places that they can identify with and see people like themselves in is so important.

“With thousands more LGBT+ people due to arrive in the city over the next days and weeks, this is further needed and plays a vital role in ensuring everyone can have a safe and enjoyable visit to our great city region.”

The RIBA North centre is ‘You’re Safe Here’ accredited, meaning that staff have undergone training in how to support people needing help.

In addition, support services such as Merseyside Police, Stop Hate UK, Sahir House, and others will be present in the space to signpost and offer services to attendees.

A full programme of events will run through the 11 days, with workshops, social and peer support groups and exhibitions, including ‘Tales of Yester-Queer’, an archive of photographs and albums representing the LGBT+ clubbing scene in the 1980s and 90s. The exhibition by Eve Blunsden as part of a BA History of Art and Museum project at Liverpool John Moores University.