Yates York Family Shambles Pink Pony Club against hate crime

Yates York was the venue for the Family Shambles event called Pink Pony Club earlier this month.

Writing in The Press in their first column for the paper, Jake Furby, director of York-based Inclusive Equal Rights UK (IERUK) and York LGBT Forum member, talks about the importance of unity and resilience.

On stage at Family Shambles at Pink Pony Club in Yates York (Image: Supplied)

They said: "In a world where the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues amidst rising homophobia, the Family Shambles events in York stand as a radiant beacon of love, resilience, and self-expression.

"In our city, as in many parts of the UK, LGBTQ+ hate crimes have seen a concerning rise of 73 per cent.

"These incidents range from verbal harassment to physical violence, often fuelled by deep-seated prejudice and transphobia. With the raise in hate crime many LGBTQ+ people are looking for places to feel safe and express themselves.

"On Friday, August 16, at 8pm, Yates York was transformed into a haven of queer celebration, where everyone was encouraged to unapologetically be themselves."

Jake Furby (Image: Supplied)

Jake said that the night is 'a defiant act of joy and togetherness, a celebration of our community's strength in the face of adversity'.

"We know that the fight for acceptance is far from over, but at Family Shambles event we respond to hate with love, to exclusion with inclusion, and to fear with an unyielding expression of who we are," they said.

The event is a safe space (Image: Supplied)

Jake is a dedicated advocate for equality and has made significant contributions to the community by helping to establish various organisations and initiatives in York, including the York LGBT Forum and Inclusive Equal Rights UK.

Jake has a strong background in diversity and inclusion, with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, race, and disability.

Their work extends beyond local activism; Jake has collaborated with national and international organisations to advance LGBTQ+ rights and promote inclusive practices. In 2020, Jake was recognised as a Lockdown Hero for their support and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community during the pandemic.

Yates York hosts the event (Image: Emily Horner)