BSU sponsors Pride
News
Bath Spa University sponsors Pride events in Bath and Bristol
Wednesday, 28 May, 2025With Pride season on the horizon, Bath Spa University is suitably proud to be sponsoring events in Bristol – and for the first time, at home in Bath – to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
BSU was named The Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion in 2024. The University’s partnerships and sponsored events – from Georgian-themed drag shows to film festivals, lectures and exhibitions – aim to create opportunities that further foster a sense of belonging and allyship to the LGBTQ+ community at BSU, and across the South West.
Queer Bath Pride NOT Prejudice Ball
BSU is delighted to be sponsoring the Pride NOT Prejudice Ball, presented by Bath’s famous queer cabaret, WIG!, on Friday 6 June as part of Queer Bath – the first citywide campaign of its kind.
Running from 26 May to 30 June, Queer Bath celebrates the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ lives, stories and creativity in the city and is supported by a coalition of Bath’s leading heritage sites, museums and creative organisations.
In celebration of Jane Austen's 250th birthday, WIG! will proudly present a dazzling night of South West drag excellence, set against the stunning backdrop of Bath's historic Pump Rooms.
Beneath glittering chandeliers in one of Regency England's most glamorous venues, guests will be entertained by an extraordinary lineup of performers, bringing high camp and high society together for one unforgettable evening. The more daring among us will also have the chance to step onto the catwalk in full Georgian finery for the Mx WIG! competition.
Jasmine Barker, Director of Bath Arts Collective said:
“We’re delighted to have Bath Spa University supporting the WIG! Pride NOT Prejudice Ball at the Roman Baths and Pump Room as part of Queer Bath – a citywide celebration of LGBTQ+ arts, culture and history. Their sponsorship helps us to platform queer talent and create inclusive, joyful spaces that bring together community and creativity across Bath’s cultural venues.”
Event organiser Nik Jovčić-Sas, who hosts WIG! as their alter ego Mother, and who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Social Inclusion from BSU in July, said:
“Queer Bath is one of the most exciting and ambitious cultural projects I’ve ever seen in this city! It celebrates the gorgeous Georgian splendour we know and love while uncovering hidden histories and weaving in a fierce, fabulous queer twist – Bath as you’ve never seen it before.”
BSU cultural partners the Holburne Museum and Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution will also host events as part of the festival, including a lecture on the history of Queer Georgians, a special Up Late event and the Queer Holburne Trail.
Queer Vision Film Festival
For the third year running, BSU has partnered with Bristol Pride to sponsor the Queer Vision Film Festival from 28 June to 13 July.
Now in its 13th year, Queer Vision Film Festival delivers a diverse programme of UK and international LGBTQ+ films, including independently produced features, animations and award-winning shorts. Queer Vision aims to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and accessibility of queer media, creating a community of queer film lovers and providing a safe space to explore themes and embrace the power of film for social change.
Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Programming and Partnerships at Bristol Pride, said:
“Bristol Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the UK and our film festival, Queer Vision, is an integral part of the festival. We use film to help reflect our community on screen and to use the power of film for social change. This year's programming will see tears of joy and heartbreak, spark conversations and increase the visibility of our community and accessibility of queer media.
"It's fantastic to have Bath Spa University as a partner and this support enables us to continue to push boundaries and ensure deeper representation and build such an exciting programme of film every year for Pride.”
The sponsorship will also provide BSU students a chance to volunteer at the festival and gain hands-on experience by having live client briefs to use as part of their course, networking opportunities with industry professionals and screenings and guest lectures across campuses.
Luanne Thornton, co-chair of BSU’s LGBTQIA+ Network, said:
“As co-chair of the Staff LGBTQIA+ Network, I’m proud to see our university’s ongoing commitment to supporting Pride events and engaging meaningfully with the LGBTQIA+ community year-round. Our continued sponsorship of Pride not only demonstrates visible solidarity but also reinforces the values of inclusion, respect, and belonging that we strive to uphold across our campuses.
“It's encouraging to see that this support goes beyond symbolic gestures – it’s reflected in policies, staff training, student support, and collaborative work with local and national LGBTQIA+ organisations.”
Marching for Pride
BSU will be joining in Bristol’s annual Pride Parade March on Saturday 12 July. BSU made its debut marching with Pride in 2023, and it has since become a highly anticipated event in the University’s calendar. BSU will also have a presence all day during Pride events at The Downs in Bristol.
Meg Robertson, co-chair of the BSU LGBTQIA+ Network, said:
“Pride is a moment to celebrate progress, but it's also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to create safe, affirming environments for everyone. I'm pleased that our university is not just participating in this movement but helping to lead it with integrity and purpose.”
BSU staff, students and alumni are all invited to take part in the Pride Parade March. Those wishing to express their interest can fill in this form.