Liberate announces new Chair and CI Pride 2017

Friday 21 April 2017

The equality and diversity charity, Liberate, has appointed a new Chair to their board of members as they gear up for Channel Island Pride 2017.

Rachel French has been announced as Liberates’ new Chair after Christian May, founding Chair, stepped down after two and a half years.

Vic Tanner Davy, CEO of Liberate, said: “We are sorry that work commitments have meant that Christian May has had to step down from leading Liberate. He has been an exceptional Chair and Liberate would not be the in the strong position that it is today without his hard work, vision and leadership.”

However, he said he was “delighted” at Ms French’s appointment and said he looks forward to working with her.

“Rachel comes to Liberate with impeccable credentials from her time as Macmillan Cancer Support’s Fundraiser responsible for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands; Durrell’s Head of Fundraising; and, as Race Nation’s Third Sector Manager. She has also been a volunteer support worker for Samaritans and committee member for Off the Record, a Portsmouth based charity,” Mr Davy added. 

One of Ms French’s first acts as Chair has been to announce Channel Island Pride 2017- scheduled to take place on 9 September.

To chime with the passage of legislation in the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey enabling same-sex couples to marry, the theme of this year’s Pride is #IDo.

Liberate are encouraging those coming to Pride this year to dig out their hats and come dressed for the “biggest wedding party ever.”

The new Chair of Liberate, Rachel French said: “I am honoured to join the Board of Liberate at an exciting time in its development, and to be a part of the team during this next step on the journey.  I’d like to thank Christian for everything he has done, for Liberate and for the individuals and communities with which we work and support. I look forward to moving us closer to the Vision of a truly inclusive community where we are all proud of who we are, a place where we feel valued and accepted.

Pictured: Rachel French, new Chair of Liberate

“I am very pleased to announce that Channel Islands Pride will be held in Jersey this year on Saturday 9 September. We will be starting a little bit later than in previous years and we suggest that people wishing to take part in the parade arrive at West’s Centre for 2.30pm. We will end the parade in Weighbridge Square, where there will be the Pride village and entertainment on the Pride stage. We hope that all those who support equality and diversity, who are proud of their identity, whatever that might be, their families and the organisations they belong to will join us for an afternoon of celebration.”