Strategic Plan 2025 - 2028
Uniting Lincolnshire and Beyond in a Colourful Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Diversity
East Coast Pride is more than just an event; it's a beacon of hope and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community in Lincolnshire and the surrounding East Coast areas.
A Message from our Chair
"As we embark on this exciting journey towards a brighter future, our Strategic Plan sets a clear tone and ambitious goals for our growth. We are committed to fostering the arts and sports in Lincolnshire's rural and coastal areas, creating safe spaces filled with love and warmth for everyone.
"Additionally, we will increase access to vital services and raise awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community across regions like Boston and Mablethorpe.
"Our mission extends to expanding pride events beyond our host town, ensuring inclusivity and representation reaches every corner of our beautiful communities. Together, we are building a sustainable plan that emphasises engagement, empowerment, and respect for all."
Amy B, Chairperson
Our Strategic Vision
East Coast Pride dreams of a future where the LGBTQIA+ community in rural and coastal areas of Lincolnshire, spanning from Boston to Mablethorpe and surrounding inland regions, flourishes in an atmosphere of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
By emphasising on Culture, specifically through the Arts and Sports, we strive to establish a supportive and empowering community where LGBTQIA+ individuals can freely express themselves and embrace their identities.
Our strategic goal involves increasing awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights by actively involving the community through creative arts projects and sports events. Through organising activities, events and backing community-led projects and performances, we aim to eliminate barriers and foster understanding, acceptance, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We aim to cultivate a strong community bond in coastal and rural areas, providing LGBTQIA+ individuals with a sense of safety, value, and belonging.
Through our initiatives, many of which are surrounding culture, the arts and sport, we seek to enhance outcomes, enrich lives, and create positive experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community, contributing to a more inclusive and fair society in the end.
Our Core Aims
Aligning to our Charitable objects which can be found within our governing document, East Coast Pride wishes to focus it's work around the following themes for the duration of the Strategic Plan.
Promote LGBTQ+ Awareness and Education
To support educational programmes and resources that increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues within the community, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals.
Support Mental Health and Wellbeing
To promote accessible mental health services in the community, support community groups, and raise awareness of services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, addressing the unique challenges they face and promoting overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
Advocate for Equal Rights and Social Justice
To actively engage in advocacy efforts that seek to protect and advance the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, working towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
Build a Stronger Community
To organise Pride events, cultural opportunities, activities, and initiatives that strengthen the sense of community among LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies, fostering connections, solidarity, and mutual support within the East Coast region.
Census Information
For the first time Census data (2021) has been captured around sexual orientation, this gives us the opportunity to examine where those who identify with an LGB+ orientation live in Greater Lincolnshire. Data was collected by person and household. The question about sexuality was optional for anyone over the age of 16.
East Lindsey had a lower proportion of people choosing to answer the question (92.10%) compared to the English national average (92.54%), but the same as the East Midlands average.
Overall Greater Lincolnshire had a slightly higher proportion of people identifying as straight or heterosexual (89.93%) compared to the national average (89.37%) and lower proportions of all of the other sexual orientations.
The question about sexuality was optional for anyone over the age of 16.
Although not published, some people may choose not to reveal their sexual identiy as they may not be publically ‘out’, may not wish to share this information or feel they cannot share this information. Therefore, some members of the LGBTQIA+ communtiy may be counted as part of the ‘Straight or Heterosexual’ statistics - although this figure cannot be known and/or confirmed due to the nature of the census.
Straight or Heterosexual
England: 89.37%
East Midlands: 89.77%
Lincolnshire: 89.85%
Pansexual
England: 0.23%
East Midlands: 0.21%
Lincolnshire: 0.20%
Gay or Lesbian
England: 1.54%
East Midlands: 1.28%
Lincolnshire: 1.22%
All other sexual orientations
England: 0.11%
East Midlands: 0.10%
Lincolnshire: 0.09%
Bisexual
England: 1.29%
East Midlands: 1.25%
Lincolnshire: 1.26%
Not answered or did not declare
England: 7.46%
East Midlands: 7.90%
Lincolnshire: 7.65%
Core Area of Benefit
Defined Groups of Benefit
Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Families and Allies of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Communtiy Groups of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Known Audiences in the Area
It will not be possible with key strategic partners in the area
