On 20th February 2025, the World Day of Social Justice, ReportOUT in alliance with Out North East and Pride Action North unveiled the #SaferToBeMe programme with VIP guests including leaders from the community, businesses and media at the Lit and Phil Library building in Newcastle upon Tyne, the UK city that will host the global summit.
The event will take over Newcastle city centre in 20th - 25th October, bringing hundreds of delegates, global communities, thought leaders and industry together to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ rights, issues and opportunities.
We draped a 40 foot-long Pride flag to visualise our statement of intent to start the exciting 2025 #SaferToBeMe programme.
Returning for a second year, #SaferToBeMe will engage delegates from over 20 countries, in a dynamic programme of events, talks, exhibitions and creative activations. In a UK first, there will be a two-day #SaferToBeMe Conference as part of the programme, which will end with a symbolic signing of a Global Compact, signed by organisations and allies.
Organising partner statements:
Drew Dalton, CEO, ReportOUT said:
“We are thrilled to be able to bring #SaferToBeMe to Newcastle in October, a city that is renowned across the globe for its welcoming spirit and is also an official city of sanctuary.
“The theme for the event is ‘local to global’ and provides an incredible opportunity for global and local communities to stand in unity with LGBTQ+ people in this very city and across the world, who are currently facing vast rollbacks of their human rights.
“It was an honour to be able to gather local businesses and city leaders today for the launch event, which is testament to the progressive and forward-thinking nature of the North East and we hope to keep building on this momentum.”
Angela, Charity Manager, Pride Action North, said:
“Pride Action North exists to promote diversity, inclusivity and acceptance – themes that fully align with #SaferToBeMe and this is the reason we are so proud to be bringing this event to the North East alongside our partners and colleagues.
“This multi-national event will be a pinnacle point for the region, and for the community across the globe, sending a strong message that we are all in this together and we will always advocate for the human rights of our people.”
Peter Darrant, Chair, Out North East, said:
“#SaferToBeMe aims to restore community cohesion in uncertain times and offer hope, acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the UK and beyond.
“There has never been a more integral time for us all to work together. We’re looking forward to welcoming delegates to the North East and to host a string of events across the region in Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside as well as Newcastle to showcase the breadth of the infamous Geordie hospitality.”
Note on the the venue: since the venue's history of hosting Oscar Wilde as a speaker, and the formation of the Newcastle upon Tyne Society for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery in the British Dominions, we thought that this was a perfect place for the launch of a LGBTQ+ and global majority Summit.
Stakeholders show support for the unveiling of the #SaferToBeMe global summit 2025 (20th - 25th October) at the Lit & Phil Building, Newcastle, 20th February 2025.
Photo: Haydn Brown 2025