DESPITE coronavirus shutting down Pride events across the country this year, Oxford Pride have a host of activities available for people to join online all this week.

Using technology and social media, Oxford Pride Online is taking place this week with events such as drag shows, an art competition and even drag zumba.

The Parade Day scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled, but organisers from Oxford Pride Group hope that the online line-up that has been put together will be a good way for people to still celebrate and commemorate Pride 2020.

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It believes holding the event online is important in order to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Oxford Pride Group chairman Zayna Ratty said: “Being part of what can be an isolating and marginalised community can only increase the feeling of isolation during lockdown.

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“People who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ acronym do, statistically, suffer from poorer psychological health than the general population.

"By continuing with an online version of our festival we hope to provide a virtual space within which people can find acceptance and belonging.

“It is vitally important that this community continues to be seen and supported even though we are so physically separated.

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“We are eternally grateful to all our supporters, committee and sponsors in their efforts to make this possible at this time.”

One of Oxford Pride’s popular events that takes place each year is a Pride Dog Show at Oxford Castle Quarter.

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Oxford Pride dog show at Oxford Castle in 2019. Picture: Ric Mellis

This year however, people can submit photos of their dogs with the winners announced on Saturday during the Pride Day Show.

Running all week is an art competition where contestants have the chance for their artwork to feature on the front cover of Pride Guide.

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Anyone of any age can enter to create something inspirational on this year’s Oxford Pride theme, ‘DiverseCity’.

To enter the competition, you must submit your work by noon today by contacting communications@oxfordpride.uk.

Another activity this week which is taking place at 6pm on Thursday is a drag make-up workshop with Patriarchie where people can get make-up tips and follow along with tutorials.

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Last year's Oxford Pride parade. Picture: Richard Cave

You can keep an eye on Oxford Pride’s Facebook page for videos and performances all day on Saturday along with the debut of the Oxford Pride 2020 Committee Lip Sync video.

Organisers are also working on some events to take place later this year, including two events they hope to run if the community is able to come together in-person.

Information about this will be confirmed at a later date as the group continues to closely monitor ongoing guidance from the Government and Public Health England.

To keep up to date with activities and events taking place virtually this week for Oxford Pride and to find out how to get involved, go to the Oxford Pride Facebook page.