How Dundee Pride creates inclusive opportunities and positive community impact

Dundee Pride takes place at Slessor Gardens and has been running since 2018. Its first event in City Square was so popular that it moved to the larger Slessor Gardens site the following year. After a pause during the pandemic, Pride returned in 2023 and has continued to grow in scope and ambition. 

The charity behind the event is managed by a board of seven trustees, chaired by Tommy Small, and supported by one part-time staff member. The team grows during the busy period running up to the event, with extra staff and contractors joining to bring everything together.  

Lisa, who has worked with Dundee Pride for nearly five years, initially joined as Volunteer Coordinator before taking on the role of Project Coordinator. She now oversees community engagement, volunteer recruitment, fundraising and event delivery, as well as outreach programmes such as the Transgender and Non-Binary Group. 

Across Dundee and the surrounding region, Pride provides a focal point for LGBTQ+ visibility, offering inclusive, celebratory spaces that strengthen relationships with cultural, educational and third-sector partners. The event also attracts volunteers from across Scotland, demonstrating their wide reach and community appeal. 

Dundee Pride curates a programme with EDI at its heart. With a packed programme on offer ranging from activities, talks and workshops to energetic performances by drag acts and high-profile singers, dozens of performers and participants from the LGBTQ+ community have the chance to celebrate diversity and equality as they showcase their skills and talents to thousands of attendees.  

The creation of a Youth Zone has been a key programme development in 2025. Designed through consultation with young people, it features activities such as karaoke sessions, wellbeing workshops and creative experiences to ensure young voices are heard and engaged. Partnerships with organisations including NHS Scotland and LGBT Youth Scotland have helped create a welcoming, safe space where young attendees can access support and advice. Importantly, the Youth Zone was developed to help young people make new friends and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness within the LGBTQ+ community. 

People are at the heart of Dundee Pride, and it is important to the organisers that the LGBTQ+ community and those involved in event delivery feel engaged and represented. Feedback from participants, volunteers and attendees highlights the positive impact of Pride, with many volunteers expressing a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.

Some even progress into formal roles within the organisation. One volunteer who initially joined through their workplace went on to secure a temporary administrative post and is now a member of the board. 

Others reflected on the importance of solidarity and allyship, recognising Pride as a chance to stand together and support those who continue to face discrimination or uncertainty. 

“Pride is a chance to be visible – to show the community aren’t alone and people will have their back in a time when everything is so uncertain. Allies can’t be silent – we need to be present. Attending Pride allows us to do that without claiming to be living the same experiences of those we want to support.” 

In short, the feedback demonstrates how Pride continues to deliver social impacts – celebrating diversity and strengthening connections across the community.