Make a splash this month by attending this one-of-a-kind event
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PRIDE SWIM
If you’re looking to make a splash this September, head over to the Royal Docks to take part in the inaugural Pride Swim. With the endorsement of Love Open Water and the support of the Mayor’s office, London’s first Pride swim will be an emblem of unity, support, and inclusivity.
Polly Shute, co-founder of the Out & Wild Festival and former Pride in London board member, said: “We have run wild swimming for two years as part of The Out & Wild Festival, and seen the real impact it has on those who take part. Out & Wild events are focused on creating new spaces for the LGBTQIA community to connect through shared experiences. Given the growth of wild swimming, it seemed a no-brainer to launch the first-ever Pride Swim and we are looking forward to rolling out more events in 2024.”
The Pride Swim will also have post-swim activities such as music acts and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy. Athletes such as Michael Gunning, former World Championship Swimmer and LGBTQ+ Activist, will be in attendance.
Pride Swim has been made possible through the work of Out & Wild, Improper Agency, the LGBTQ+ Switchboard and other community partners.
You will need to be a NOWCA member to take part in Pride Swim and you must be able to swim confidently in open water, tread water and swim 400m without stopping.
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
