We invite you to attend the Third Annual Autistic Pride Picnic in the Park. It will be held in Hyde Park on Sunday June 18th 2017 from 12:00-16:00 This is a free public event, a "gathering of the tribes" for all autistics. While this event is primarily aimed at autistic adults, non-autistic people and children will be welcome.
DRAFT PROGRAMME:
12:00 Everyone gathers at the site and settles down
12:30-13:15 Paul Wady will do a live, open-air performance of Stealth Aspies. Basically an autistic version of the Vagina Monologues People can get up and talk about how they have to mask and pretend to be normal in everyday life, and how we can express our true nature on a day like this.
13:30-14:30 Open Mic session. Anyone can get up and make any speeches they like. Songs, music and poetry and debates are also welcome too.
14:30-15:00 If anyone is brave enough, they can make a trip to Speakers Corner and spread the message of Autistic Pride to the wider world. So far, only one person has managed to do this.
15:00-16:00 Informal discussions and socialising
Other speakers and performers may be added to this programme
The picnic site will be in the wooded areas between the boathouse and the lookout, see the map for further detail. Our Pride flag (see above) will be waving above the site. The nearest Underground Station is Hyde Park Corner and we have photos that show the way (follow the purple arrows).
We will have a picnic. No food or drink will be provided by the organisers. Bring your own picnic. Bring food, games and sensory toys to share. Bring a blanket if you need one. We will stage a performing arts show. Brave people can speak at Speakers Corner if they choose. Bring along things related to your special interests. Bring your musical instrument. Stimming is actively encouraged.
We will have a traffic-light system of stickers, which people can wear to show their communication needs.
We may have activities after the event, including a Tube Challenge, a themed walk, or just go to the pub.
For further details of the event please consult our blog (www.celebrateautisticpride
If you can't make it to the London Event, there will be other Autistic Pride Events in Prospect Park in Manchester (date and time to be announced) and Whitworth Park in Manchester on June 25th 2017 from 12:00 to 16:00https://www.facebook.com/
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AUTISTIC PRIDE DAY
Established in 2005 by an online forum for autistic people called “Aspies for Freedom”, Autistic Pride Day is usually held on or around the 18th June each year worldwide.
The purpose of Autistic Pride is to show to the world that we are proud of being autistic and that we are not diseased or defective or in need of a cure. We have as much right to live a happy and fulfilled life as neurotypicals.
For much of the time many of us suppress or feel ashamed of our autistic behaviours. For this day we can cast any shame aside and be ourselves. This event takes inspiration from the Gay Pride events.
This event is supported by Autistic UK.
www.autisticuk.org
Please note that you attend this event at your own risk, and the organisers will not take responsibility for people who attend.
FEEL FREE TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TOO!
