New LGBTQ+ support group launches in Devizes

The new group will allow for “LGBTQ+ people, allies, and everybody in-between” to come together in a safe space.

Oberon Christmas, who also performs as a drag queen under the name Gabriella Christmas, moved to Devizes from Melksham.

They hope dedicated events, fundraisers or cabaret nights can be held once Covid restrictions ease.

“I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’ve lived in Devizes for three years and have never really seen anything quite like this. So with Pride month here, I thought I might as well take the plunge myself and set it up as a community-based group.

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride in 2019. Pic by Dave Cox.

“It’s something I’d have wanted when I was younger – there was absolutely nothing. I want to provide this group so others can have that safe space so many of us wanted when we were growing up.”

Oberon, who faced backlash from his peers as a teenager, said it was important to remain positive – and believe even brighter days were yet to come for the county’s LGBTQ+ community.

He said: “I’ve always lived in small towns, and have always had some sort of backlash to the way I dress or act. I shouldn’t say it should be expected, it shouldn’t be, but I do understand. It’s a relatively new thing, and something quite different to get used to.

“More and more people are fighting for equal rights and we’ve made lots of progress in so many other areas as human beings, and it will get better. It’s just another thing that needs to break through.

“I’ve never been afraid to dress up in my small towns, like on night outs. It’s a decent reaction a lot of the time, especially here in Devizes.

"I’m proud to be me and want to help others feel that way.”

His job, an activities coordinator, will also lend itself well to the support group he said.

“My main goal would be to set something up like Devizes Pride or to set up cabaret nights or drag nights. I know Devizes is quite a small town, but even if it’s just once a month or so – that will be a step in the right direction. There’s plenty of events in places like Bristol and Bath, I want to bring that sense of pride to Devizes.”

Rural support for the LGBTQ+ community

Besides Trowbridge Pride and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, rural pockets of Wiltshire often miss out on Pride events.

Drag Queen Scaredy Kat, who appeared on the first UK series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, has previously described the drag scene in Wiltshire as “a joke in itself”.

Scaredy Kat

But charities and community groups are hoping to make the region more inclusive.

Phoenix Stewart community engagement manager at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride praised Oberon and wished the new Devizes group the best of success.

He said: “ LGBTQ+ groups are a great way to meet other LGBTQ+ people within your community. They can improve mental health and support well-being as well as offering local and national support. 

“Our charity aims to promote equality and diversity in Swindon and across Wiltshire. We think it's important for rural LGBTQ+ groups as they can support their local community to signpost to local support and when allowed face to face meet-ups "

This week, it was announced that Swindon and Wiltshire Pride will not have a parade this year – but that the rest of the event will still go ahead.

The free family-friendly fun and games in the Town Garden will be held, as usual, starting from midday on Saturday, August 7.

Tomorrow (June 19) and Sunday, a pop up shop will be in action in Trowbridge.

In collaboration with Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, volunteers will be in Fore Street outside savers.

- Saturday 10am - 4pm

- Sunday 10am -4pm