Hachette Pride launches 2022 Pride in Writing festival

Hachette Pride – the LGBTQ+ employee network for Hachette UK – is partnering with authors from across its publishing houses to host Pride in Writing, a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ authors and their stories from around the world.

Following an online-only festival in 2021, this year’s programme includes a mix of two in-person and online events open to the public, and will feature 13 Hachette UK authors, including Stella Duffy, Laura Kay, Jill Nalder, and Okechukwu Nzelu.

The festival, now in its third year, will run from June 21^st until June 30^th and will be focused around the core themes of ‘Resistance’ – marking the 50^th anniversary of the UK’s first official Pride march – and ‘Queer Joy’, celebrating the return to in-person events after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sophia Blackwell, co-chair of Hachette Pride, said: “One of our themes this year is that the personal is political, and that will be true of the final Pride in Writing event of the month at the Apple Tree Pop-up; a warm, welcoming community space. This year’s celebrations are about wellbeing, mental health, family – including chosen family – and above all, the authors.”

Ellie Bowker, co-chair of Hachette Pride, added: “Hachette Pride is so excited to return to in-person events, where we can really come together and support our LGBTQ+ authors at Hachette UK. Last year, we dealt with some heavy topics facing our community – such as the closure of beloved gay clubs and the erasure of queer history. This year, we really want to celebrate the joy of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, being out and being proud.”

Katie Espiner, executive sponsor of Hachette Pride, commented: “The themes of resistance and queer joy feel as relevant today as they ever have. Pride in Writing centres our authors and their stories, and provides a celebratory space both for our LGBTQ+ authors and the wider community.”

As part of its wider Pride Month celebrations, Hachette UK will also be matching donations to the Pride in Writing festival up to £1000, which will benefit LGBTQ+ charities. You can follow @HachettePride on Twitter for more information about this year’s festival, including how to sign up for the events.