On Saturday November 25th, CETMA organised ConXtions, an LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation, officially launched at Carmarthenshire Winter Pride 2023.
After an unexpected last minute change of venue from the Gwenllian Centre in Kidwelly to Llandyfaelog Hall, due to circumstances outside of the group’s control, the event ran from 10am to 3pm.
When speaking about the unexpected change of venues, CETMA Managing Director Jonathan Williams said:
“We weren’t convinced the Gwenllian Centre was an appropriate venue for an LGBTQ+ Event and our priority is always to ensure that people feel comfortable and safe when attending our events and activities.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be hosting the event at Llandyfaelog Hall where we can be sure of a warm and inclusive welcome.”
The event, which was open to everyone at no charge, was a celebration of the resilience and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in a more community oriented setting where people were encouraged to enthusiastically embrace who they really are, without shame and without apology. Transport was provided from CETMA Kidwelly, allowing locals and their families to attend the event even with lack of own transport. Food, badges, pins, and similar were sold at the event, with all proceeds being used for the betterment of the project, and for another CETMA led initiative, PBP Foodbank.
Groups and organisations from the county and from further afield attended the event, with their own stalls, including Stand Up To Racism, Victim Support, Swansea Pride, representatives of Hywel Dda University Health Board, and several others.
The event’s mistress of ceremonies was the ever radiant Diana D, who presided over the day’s music and introduced the day’s speakers.
Present to give speeches were Stella Millet, local LGBTQ+ activist, Aaron Bevan-John, activist and trustee of Swansea Pride, Kidwelly Town Mayor Carl Peters-Bond, Llanelli’s own Dame Nia Griffith MP, and many others.
The day’s speeches had a focus on the great progress that the LGBTQ+ community has made, but also shared a cautionary word about how we must never again allow bigotry and homophobia to pass without criticism and comment.
As events around the world have demonstrated all too clearly, there is an ease with which progress can be undone when left unchecked. And events at the very local level have shown just how quickly intolerance and bigotry can take hold, putting into stark relief the necessity of projects and events such as ConXtions and the local level community pride events that they organise.
Check out Conxtions’ Facebook page to hear all of the day’s speeches!
If you have questions or queries about the project, or if you want to get involved yourself, whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, please contact them via email: info@conxtions.org.uk and 01554556996.
The Project is also available on most social media platforms:
Facebook: conXtions
Twitter: coXtions CarmLGBTProject
Instagram: conxtions