Culture
THE NORTH FACE & END. PRESENT THE EXPLORATION SERIES FOR NORTHERN PRIDE 2022
29 July 2022The North Face and END. teamed up for The Exploration Series last week to celebrate Pride ’22 and promote inclusivity in the outdoors, with talks from Frankie Dewar & Frit Tam, music from DJ Awkward Black Girl and food from The Grazing Guys in-store at our Newcastle upon Tyne flagship on Grey Street.
Celebrating Pride ’22 in the heart of the city, The North Face and END. convened at the retailer's Grey Street flagship store in Newcastle upon Tyne to deliver an evening of engaging and open discussion, music, and food as a part of the outdoor brand’s “The Exploration Series”. Centring around a duo of talks from Frankie Dewar and Frit Tam on their experiences in the outdoors, the evening championed inclusivity, community, and diversity.
Speaking first was the award-winning podcaster, Frankie Dewar, whose podcast “Extraordinary Ordinary You” charts their inspiring 3000km cycle around the UK as they interviewed women and non-binary people older than themself to show that you don’t have to “do it whilst you’re young.” Telling the story of their monolithic journey, Frankie’s talk focussed on the unique narratives told by the people they met along the way. Delving into nuanced discussions around identity, sexuality and the way we collectively approach life, Frankie’s journey showcased a different perspective on living that championed breaking the status quo and challenged old-fashioned ideas that you can only be pioneering in exploration when you’re young.
Following on from Frankie’s powerful discussion was a talk from Frit Tam, an award-winning filmmaker, trans activist and celebrated podcaster. Delving into his personal experiences as a trans-person, Frit’s talk offered a holistic approach to the interlinked nature of his experience as a member of the LGBTQA+ community, his experience transitioning and his own journey, “Glide For Pride” - a two-week long expedition from Newcastle upon Tyne to Brighton via roller blade and bicycle. Connecting with the LGBTQA+ community during his travels, Frit stopped off along the way to interview 37 people for his documentary film, “Glide For Pride: An Adventure Film For The LGBTQA+ Community”, an exceptional feat of endurance and dedication, fuelled by inspiring conversation and connection to the wider LGBTQA+ community.
With music from Newcastle-based DJ Awkward Black girl, who runs the Queer night "Bend & Shake", and food from The Grazing Guys, a Q+A completed the evening, offering the perfect opportunity to discuss the intersection of the LGBTQA+ community and diversity in the outdoors.
writerEND.
share
