Dates

Friday 24 May, 2019 – XXL Ruggercub

Saturday 25 May, 2019 – XXL Bear Pride

Sunday 26 May, 2019 – XXL Hardon

Address

Pulse, No 1 Invicta Plaza, South Bank, London, SE1 9UF

Plus, other partner venues, TBC

About

XXL Bear Pride is an annual event held over the second May Bank Holiday weekend.

Founded by XXL in 2002 (then called Bear Necessities) it’s a fur-tastic roster of incredible events not only at XXL but across other LGBTQ venues too whose collective mission is
two-fold:

  • To raise funds for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) the UK’s LGBTQ youth homelessness charity and;
  • To positively promote the diversity of the LGBTQ scene, in particular the larger, older gay community of which many identify themselves as Bears.

What

XXL Bear Pride works in partnership with some of the best LGBTQ venues across London including: Eagle London, Two Brewers and Horse Meat Disco. Each venue hosts specific events during the Weekend ensuring something for everyone.

Previous XXL Bear Pride events have included: DJ’s Moto Blanco, Paul Morrell and Alex Logan ripping up the dance floor; outrageous cabaret hosted by Myra Dubois, Doctor Woof, Miss Sherry Vine and Miss Peppermint (RuPaul’s Drag Race); back-to-back sets by Jon Pleased Wimmin and Mark Moore at the Two Brewers, Eagle London and XXL; Ruggercub at the Two Brewers; Mr Bear Pride, Fusion – with the Italian beatmaker Pagano – and a Beefmince disco set at XXL.

Why

XXL Bear Pride raises vital funds for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) who believe that LGBTQ youth homelessness is the biggest human crisis facing our community.

Of the 15,000/20,000 homeless young people in the UK today up to 24% are estimated to be LGBTQ with up to 69% of that number having experienced rejection, abuse and/or violence from their family after coming out to them.

It costs AKT just £25 to provide one night’s emergency support for a young person or £12,000 to place them with Carers for a year of their life.

https://www.akt.org.uk

Facts

  • 4,800 young LGBTQ people currently living on the streets or in hostile environments in the UK.
  • 77% of young people believed their coming out to their parents was the main contributory factor to their homelessness.
  • The top five issues presented by young LGBT homeless people are: family rejection; mental health issues; alcohol abuse; homophobic bullying; and sexual exploitation.
  • 25% of total youth homeless population in UK identify as LGB or T – an unacceptable over-representation.
  • Whilst homeless, they are significantly more likely to experience targeted violence, sexual exploitation, substance misuse, and physical/mental health problem that other homeless youth
  • Albert Kennedy Trust believe there’s no room for hate, and pledge to be there for young LGBTQ people, to make sure they have the start in life that deserve, and a roof over their head.
  • Last year AKT provided over 8,000 bed nights for young LGBTQ homeless people, with 83% placed in safe homes.
  • You can support the work of AKT at www.akt.org.uk/noroomforhate

Ash’s Story: https://youtu.be/3zmYg2e2oIw

Jovanie’s Story: https://youtu.be/QyLd501Y0to

Frankie’s Story: https://youtu.be/vXHvVJ_BUqw

Lexi’s Story: https://youtu.be/sG0yH6MXmAU

No Room For Hate: https://youtu.be/Mr6od4pzo68

Celebrity Video: https://youtu.be/YuWzylS4Rt0