Isle of Pride marked its launch with an event and the announcement of the island’s first ever Pride Festival date this summer.

The non-profit charity which supports the LGBTQ+ community in the island and promotes respect, inclusion and equality will host the Pride Festival on June 13.

A launch party took place at Cycle 360 in Douglas where guests celebrated under a colourful balloon archway.

Clare Barber MHK, who is chairman of Isle of Pride, said: ’We had an excellent turnout at our corporate launch from across our Manx community, including charity partners, current sponsors and supporters, and local companies who have expressed an interest in supporting our charity the future.

’Scott Leonard Morgan of Cains and Micky Swindale of KPMG gave excellent speeches about what equality and inclusion means to their companies, and why they have chosen to help provide pride by joining the journey.

’Micky talked of the importance KPMG place on people being able to bring their true authentic selves to work, a vital principle that Isle of Pride hope all businesses will aspire to.’

She added: ’Yet when we talked recently with the LGBT youth group, we heard it said that they wait for the weekly youth group so they can come and be their true authentic selves for just two hours a week.

’As a society we need to enable a change where people can be themselves without fear of judgement, criticism or abuse.’

The Parade and Party with Pride festival will be free and open for anyone to attend. Further details will be announced closer to the date on its social media: @isleofpride.

A Queercinema event and a Youth Pride will take place the following weekend on June 19/20.