Isle of Pride charity returns to champion LGBTQ+ rights on the Isle of Man
– 1 min read
The Isle of Man’s leading LGBTQ+ charity, Isle of Pride, has officially confirmed its return following a three-year hiatus, marking a renewed commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and celebration across the island.
Originally founded in 2019, Isle of Pride faced closure in 2022 amid internal challenges and public controversy surrounding its last Pride event. However, a new board was appointed in September 2024, and since then, the charity has been quietly rebuilding its foundations and reaffirming its mission.
James Cherry, the newly appointed director, expressed optimism about the charity’s future: “With the board and newly formed committee, who I am delighted have come onboard, we look forward to supporting and working with the island’s LGBTQ+ community through events and the championing principles of equality and inclusion”.
The charity’s first major event since its relaunch will be Pride on the Quay, a vibrant celebration of diversity and community spirit scheduled for 30 August along North Quay in Douglas.
Looking ahead, Isle of Pride is planning a full-scale Pride festival in 2026, alongside a year-round outreach initiative named Chree - Manx for “heart”. This programme will focus on education, training and the creation of safe spaces to foster greater awareness and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals on the island.
A spokesperson for the charity emphasised the importance of visibility and solidarity: “Now more than ever, the LGBTQ+ community must stand together, along with our allies, to protect the rights which were so hard fought for. It is hoped that Isle of Pride can be that voice here on the Isle of Man, to ensure persons from these communities don’t ever feel alone”.
