Westgate Oxford to Host ‘Tree of Pride’ this weekend

In celebration of Pride Month this June, Westgate Oxford is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and loving future.   

 

The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s promises, blooming with messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests are encouraged to commit to one of the suggested pledges or to leave a positive sentiment that feels right to them, such as a dedication to a loved one.  

 

In honour of the Tree of Pride and Pride Month, Westgate Oxford has made a £5,000 donation to Oxford Pride. Oxford Pride holds events year-round which create inclusive spaces for the community to do everyday things such as swimming and ice skating. With these funds, they will be able to hold even more events around Oxford for those who otherwise might not have the money to attend. 

 The Tree of Pride will be at Westgate Oxford on 3rd and 4th June, and the public are invited to participate from 10.30am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.  

 

What’s more, Westgate Oxford will be hosting Oxford Pride’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, in Leiden Square on Pride Day 2023 (3rd June). The celebrations will be happening from midday – 7pm and include community and information stalls alongside performances on the Variety Stage. 

 

Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “We celebrate our wonderfully diverse community all day, every day, and Pride Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on progress made so far, and the work still to be done.   

 

“We look forward to reading our visitors’ messages celebrating inclusivity, and to seeing the positive impact of the work led by Oxford Pride throughout the year.”   

 

Debbie Brixley, Chair of Oxford Pride, commented: “Oxford Pride believes that Pride is not just a day or a month but should be for all the community all year round. We want to put on events throughout the year that are suitable for everyone and with the funds donated by Westgate Oxford, we’ll be able to make our events even more inclusive.  

 

“We are seeing an increase in younger people coming to our events, something we encourage, and being able to offer them experiences and venues that are safe, accessible, and sober is also a high priority. This money will go a long way to help us deliver these events throughout the year.” 

 

For more information on Westgate Oxford, visit www.westgateoxford.co.uk  

ENDS 

For further information or interviews, please email westgate@umpf.co.uk

 Notes to Editors 

The suggested ‘Tree of Pride’ pledges are:  

  • Homophobia and transphobia can come in the forms of obvious abusive behaviour, but also subtle ways like stereotyping. Call out this behaviour if it’s safe to do so, or report it to the relevant authority. For example correct your friends or family if they’re using outdated terms or inform a member of staff if you hear abusive language on public transport.
    Offensive and inappropriate language does not need to be targeted at a present individual and it is not only the responsibility of the victim only to report abuse. We can all be the change. 
  • Inclusive language helps everyone feel united and is one of the quickest and simplest changes you can make.
    For example addressing a group with “Hi all/ team / everybody” instead of “Hi Guys/Ladies/ Gentlemen”.
    Why not add your pronouns to your email address and social media profiles? Normalising the use of pronouns such as “he/him” or “they/them” makes for a more welcoming environment for transgender and non-binary people. 
    Language is constantly evolving in all areas of life, so there’s no reason not to use LGBTQIA+ language correctly, we can all be the change. 
  • There are plenty of great resources online which can be educational and inspiring at the same time. For example you could spend some time reading about the incredible history of LGBTQIA+ activism and the struggles the community faced, to understand why Pride month is so important.
    You could also find out about events, marches and ways you can volunteer to support your local Pride organisations. How about reading an online glossary of common LGBTQIA+ terms to ensure you’re speaking to friends, family or colleagues in the most respectful way. Everyone has access to learn more, we can all be the change. 
  • Lazy and incorrect assumptions can be very damaging to the LGBTQIA+ community. For example guessing somebody’s sexual preferences, assuming a gay man has certain interests or assuming somebody identifies as a woman due to the way they’re dressed can risk causing offence, exclusion and upset.
    Don’t assume that just because your intentions are positive that the outcome will be. Being overly interested can come across as nosy and asking overly personal questions could come across as rude. 
    Finally, do not assume that issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community should only be dealt with by the LGBTQIA+ community. We can all be the change. 

 

Westgate Oxford 

Westgate Oxford is a modern retail and leisure destination, attracting world-class retailers and leisure facilities to the historic city of Oxford. 

With over 100 global brands and 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, Westgate Oxford offers a unique retail experience in the heart of Oxford. 

Find out more at www.westgateoxford.co.uk   

 

Landsec Group PLC 

At Landsec, we strive to connect communities, realise potential and deliver sustainable places. 

As one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, our portfolio of well-connected retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. From the iconic Piccadilly Lights in the West End and the regeneration of London’s Victoria, to the creation of retail destinations at Westgate Oxford and Trinity Leeds, we own and manage some of the most successful and memorable real estate in the UK. 

We aim to lead our industry in critical long-term issues – from diversity and community employment, to carbon reduction and climate resilience. We deliver value for our shareholders, great experiences for our customers and positive change for our communities. 

Find out more at landsec.com 

 

Oxford Pride  

Oxford Pride is a registered charity run by a dedicated team of volunteers. In 2023 it celebrated 20 years of being a free to attend pride. Membership of Oxford Pride is open to all. 

Oxford Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer life in Oxfordshire. The events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and lifestyles by providing information, education, and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment. 

Please contact chair@oxfordpride.uk for images from past years or if you need more information. 

Visit our website www.oxfordpride.uk or follow us on socials @oxfordpride