31/08/2023
Brighton and Hove News, an independently owned community news website, and other LGBTQIA friendly media such as the community broadcasters Gaydio South, Radio Reverb and Brighton Community Radio, have touched upon complaints made by disabled festival goers to the Brighton Pride festival that toilet provision was poor, and in cases rendered inaccessible. Ramps were too steep to enter the access tent, and a lack of rubber mats on the muddy ground meant wheelchairs couldn’t get onto the wheelchair platform. A group called Brighton Access for Disabled Groups Everywhere said "“We have plenty of insight and ideas from our LGBTQIA members and are keen to be part of a pan-disabilities working group along with other community groups in the city, so we can help Pride Organisers – and indeed other event organisers – create truly accessible events that integrate our diverse community.” A representative from Brighton Pride said that the organisation welcomed constructive feedback about what can be done better next year. They said “We were very upset to hear about the experience we were contacted about. We have been in touch directly to see what we can do, and we will listen to concerns and make improvements. We welcome feedback and suggestions, especially from people with lived experience. Please contact us with your comments access@brighton-pride.org.” BBC Radio Sussex reported that tens of thousands of people took part in the parade, march and festival for Brighton Pride, and that despite the poor weather, spirits were high and angry at issues such as transphobia and attempts to divide the LGBT+ and women's movements from their traditional mutual solidarity.
https://www.gaydio.co.uk/brighton/on-air/
