Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke leads line-up at Penguin Pride 2017
By Will Stroude
Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke is set to perform at this year’s Penguin Pride in London.
The singer and former Attitude cover star stops the bill as the event hosted by Penguin Books returns to the capital for 2017, celebrating the importance of literature in the progression of LGBT equality and commemorate 50 years since the decriminalisation of gay men in the UK
Okereke will perform at Proud in Camden on July 5 during an evening of live music, readings, poetry and panel discussions, as well as a photographic exhibition, interactive video booth and pop-up bookshop selling a range of LGBT books.
Joining Kele on the bill are musicians including Z-Star, Toby Campion and Keith Jarrett, as well as renowned LGBT authors such as Paul Flynn (Good as You: 30 Years of Gay Britain) and former Attitude editor Matthew Todd (Straight Jacket).
In a statement, Todd said: “Pride is particularly poignant this year as it marks 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales.
“Seeing yourself reflected in books and other art forms is massively important so I’m excited about Penguin Pride and very happy to be part of it and its celebration of LGBT writers.”
Last year, Penguin Books launched WriteNow, a programme to find, mentor and publish writers from under-represented communities, including up-and-coming LGBT voices.
The publishing group’s CEO, Tom Weldon, said of July’s Pride event in London: “Books play an important role in bringing to life the experiences of the LGBT community and making sure their voices are heard.
“Penguin Pride will celebrate the books that have given us hope, expanded our imaginations and empathy, and helped us make sense of different perspectives throughout history. And I hope it will also inspire the next generation of LGBT authors to tell their stories.”
Tickets for Penguin Pride tickets are out now for £20 (£18 concessions) and can be purchased here. £1 from every ticket sold will go to Stonewall to support their work with the LGBT community.
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