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LGBTQ+ event 'an opportunity to come together'

Chris Craddock
BBC Jersey communities reporter
BBC Adam looks at the camera as he wears a bright shirt which is unbuttoned down his chest. Adam has long dark brown hair which comes past his chest and a beard. Behind him is rows of theatre seats in the Arts CentreBBC
Dr Adam Perchard has organised a special celebration for the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day

The organiser of a LGBTQ+ event celebrating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day says it will be "a really gorgeous opportunity to come together".

Dr Adam Perchard will perform in Liberation Sensation, which will be held in Jersey Arts Centre on Friday and Saturday.

It would focus on the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faced during the World War Two occupation by German forces and share messages of hope for the future, they said.

It would will also host the debut performance of the island's first LGBTQ+ community choir as well, they added.

A woman is showing others what notes to hit by raising her hand as part of the rehearsals
Dr Perchard will sing with the LGBTQ+ community choir

The Jersey-born cabaret star's show is sharing their family's experiences of life during German rule in World War Two.

They said: "I also want to think about what the island is like now, thanks to Liberation... I think this is a huge moment".

"We're going to honour the sorrow people went through the occupation but the overwhelming emotion I want people to come away with is joy at this vibrant island that we've become."

Most of Jersey's pantomime dames are also due to join Dr Perchard for the performance.

Esther smiles at the camera as she wears a short sleeved, light blue denim shirt. She has short brown hair which comes to her shoulders. Behind her are red theatre seats.
Esther Rose Parkes is excited to be leading the choir for its first performance

Esther Rose Parkes is leading the LGBTQ+ community choir and said she had been impressed with how far members had come in a few rehearsals.

She said: "They've been wonderful... we've got a really committed bunch of singers here, which is amazing.

"The choir is for its allies as well, so we don't exclude people to make an inclusive place where members of the choir feel really safe because too often they don't."

The choir will perform We Have All the Love by Helen Yeomans and People Have the Power by Patti Smith.

Kaye smiles at the camera with a white t-shirt on with a rainbow on it and text saying 'Sounds Gay, I'm In'. She has dark red hair which comes down past her shoulders and is wearing glasses. Behind is are the black stage curtains.
Kaye Nicholson from the charity Liberate says the choir sends out a positive message

Kaye Nicholson, CEO of the equality charity Liberate Jersey and choir singer, saidit was "really exciting"

She said: "There's a lot to be said for being around people who have shared experiences and values.

"It's a great from Adam and Esther to do this to shine a light on this community group which was persecuted by the Nazis, and it's really colourful."

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