Voscur is delighted that during Bristol Pride 2023 two staff members have been recognised as some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in Bristol and surrounding areas, celebrating those who have contributed to LGBTQ+ life over the last 12 months. 

Outside of his time at Voscur, Spencer Blackwell is the Chair of Trans Pride South West, an annual trans pride festival that takes place in Bristol. Last year, 1,000 trans and non-binary people attended the events, including a sold-out comedy gig and afterparty with a headline set by Chelsea Manning. Trans Pride South West won 'Best Free Event' at the ShoutOut Radio Listeners’ Awards 2023.  

Additionally, Voscur’s staff team has Mark Hubbard (Development Director) who is the festival director for Hand in Hand Festival – a celebration of LGBTQ+ choirs and choral groups. Next August, 50+ choirs and 1,500 singers from Ireland and the UK will showcase the diversity of queer singing and bring the enchanting harmonies of LGBTQ+ choirs to Bristol.  
(click here to read the Bristol Live article in full) 

Spencer and Mark also currently lead on the emerging LGBTQ+ Partnership at Voscur, which has 75+ organisations and groups signed up.  

We recently spoke with some of the Partnership’s members, who are all keen to see the difference that this work could make, with one stating: “There's huge potential for its visibility and awareness to grow. The more service that's available the better, it's not competition - it's helping more people!” 

The LGBTQ+ Partnership’s first steering group meeting will be held in mid-July with further engagement events to be scheduled later this year. 

Another of the Partnership’s members has stated that this as a great opportunity to give gay/lesbian/bisexual/trans/queer+ women in Bristol influence and a real voice that is very much needed, stating:  “I hope the partnership will amplify the strengths of the LGBTQ+ community. Helping and signposting the LGBTQ+ community to events/activities and all the things that exist in Bristol that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, providing a channel of communication with those in power, empowering the community, with equality and equity embedded at its heart.” 

To find out more about Voscur’s work on the LGBTQ+ Partnership click here, or to register your interest in taking part click here to complete the webform.