The newly formed Pride Parade Committee has announced its 2025 events schedule, with a pickleball family day and parade among the activities planned for this month.
“Join us. March with us. Could you celebrate with us? Show the world that everyone belongs in the Cayman Islands,” the committee said in a press release.
Three key events will be held over the coming month, beginning with a pickleball family day on Sunday, 15 June.
It will be followed by the main Pride parade on Saturday, 28 June at 4:30pm. An after party at Bonny Moon Beach Club has been confirmed after the parade.
A flag raising ceremony is also planned, though the date remains to be announced.
Community inclusion focus
The new five-member Pride Parade Committee comprises Tara Bush, Dr Chantal Basson, Julian Foster, Schmarrah McCarthy and Zee Wright.
According to the press release, the committee reflects “the depth and breadth of our evolving community” and represents “the many facets of Cayman’s vibrant, inclusive future”.
“This year’s Pride is not just about being different – it’s about belonging,” the press release added.
“We are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where every human being – citizen or resident – feels seen, respected and included.”
Call for support
The committee has issued a specific invitation to frontline workers to participate in the parade, including emergency services personnel.
“We invite everyone, especially our frontline heroes, such as 911 operators, ambulance crews, police officers, fire service, and prison officers, to march with us,” the committee announced.
The press release emphasised the importance of community belonging, stating: “One of the most powerful human needs is the need to belong.”
“For too long, being LGBTQ+ in Cayman has carried a stigma. It’s time to rewrite that narrative.”
The committee acknowledged existing corporate support from Walkers and Maples for sponsoring this year’s events but indicated additional partnerships are needed.
Community recognition
The committee acknowledged several individuals and organisations for their contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in the Cayman Islands.
The announcement expressed “heartfelt gratitude to Noel Cayasso-Smith and Billie Bryan for their foundational work in bringing the LGBTQ+ community together”.
Particular recognition was given to Cayasso-Smith “for laying the groundwork for what the PRIDE Parade in Cayman has become”.
It also recognised Bryan “for making with the pledge and Colours Cayman (now Colours Caribbean) our community visible as such in the Cayman Islands”.
The committee also thanked Dr James Reeves and Dr Leonardo Raznovich “for their dedication through Colours Caribbean and the legal victories achieved under Dr Raznovich’s leadership”.
Recognition was also given to “Vickie Bodden and Chantelle Day, whose courageous legal challenge opened the door for civil partnerships in Cayman”.
Pic for Pride
Committee member Tara Bush told Cayman Independent she wants the people of Cayman to show their support by changing their profile pictures on social media.
“We created a Cayman Pride Ally badge and are asking people to change their social media icon,” she said.
“We will be sending the graphic out to our sponsors and supporters, asking them to help spread the word, and also run it as part of our own Pride social media push.
“Just imagine businesses, friends, civil servants, people across the community all showing their support in a super visible, united way.”
She hopes it will “really show how much support exists in the community”.
