About Us
Chelle (They/Them) founded Stort Pride in December 2021 after realising they identified as Gay over the lockdown/Covid period. Chelle has spent several years receiving cancer treatment and had not had a chance to align with their identity.
Once realising they were Gay, Chelle took to finding LGBTQIA2S+ social spaces in and around Bishop’s Stortford but struggled to find events and spaces close to home.
In the summer of 2021, Bishop’s Stortford held its first Pride event, where Chelle learned that there were no existing spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ people to meet without travelling further afield.
3 months after Pride finished, Chelle realised that there was not going to be any groups or spaces started as a result of Pride and decided to take initiative and reach out to members of Bishop’s Stortford via the Meetup app.
Chelle organised a meetup on the 1st December 2021, and 5 people showed up.
Chelle knew there was more potential, and since Stort Pride has grown into a legal constitution with over 50 regular members, an online presence of approximately 900 people and is celebrating their 5th Annual Pride this summer 2025.
Meet the Team
Chelle
Founder and Executive Director
Chelle (They/Them) founded Stort Pride in 2021 after realising there were no dedicated safe spaces or social groups for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in our area.
What began as a grassroots movement has grown into The Proud Collective CIC, a legally recognised and thriving community organisation.
Chelle continues to lead with passion, vision, advocacy, and a commitment to ensuring everyone has a place where they truly belong.
Erica
Director and Events Operational Manager
Erica (She/Her) joined in 2022 and quickly became the heartbeat of our events. From the big moments to the behind-the-scenes details, she ensures that everything runs smoothly, safely, and with care.
Her dedication and energy help transform ideas into the vibrant,
inclusive celebrations our community knows and loves.
James
Director and Event Champion
James (He/Him) is one of the very first members of Stort Pride. James has been with us since day one, attending events since 2021.
He plays a key role in keeping our community connected, whether that’s through coordinating pop-up stalls, supporting local Prides across East Herts, or simply being a friendly face to welcome people in.
James embodies the spirit of Pride—connection, joy, and solidarity.
Alice
Volunteer
Alice (They/Them) joined the team in 2023 and has already become a warm and active presence at our events. Whether they’re helping to run stalls, supporting members, or holding space for others to feel safe and seen, Alice brings kindness, enthusiasm, and authenticity to everything they do.
Alice also writes poetry/spoken word, sharing their experience of the world and their identity:
SPACE, written by Alice
A space is where we feel safe,
A space is where we feel calm,
A space is where we feel relaxed,
A space is where we feel heard,
A space is where we feel understood,
A space is where we feel unalone,
A space is where we feel a part of something,
A space is where we feel respected,
A space is all of those things,
A space is where we all belong together.