The glitz and glam of Hollywood will return to grace this year's virtual Perthshire Pride celebrations.
Aberfeldy-born acting star of the stage and screen, Alan Cumming is leading the 2020 event by filming a message of support which will feature in a series of exclusive videos throughout August, shining a spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ community across the Big County.
The COVID-19 pandemic sadly forced organisers to cancel this year's Pride parade, which was headlined by acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen in 2019.
Alan Cumming, who starred in Goldeneye, the X-men film series and hit TV show The Good Wife, said: “I wish there had been a Perthshire Pride when I was growing up, it would have made it so much easier to connect with my community.
“It’s lovely that the Perthshire queer community now has a way of finding one another.”
The films, posted across the group’s social media platforms, will also include an exclusive reading by author Douglas Stuart from his Booker Prize-longlisted debut novel Shuggie Bain, released on August 6.
There will also be a show-stopping performance from Perth’s leading drag queen Scarlet Skylar Rae and an information video from The Terence Higgins Trust.
A video message will also be broadcast from sister group and Pride Partners, West Australian Pride, where a relationship was formed in November 2019 when Scarlet Skylar Rae was invited to perform in Perth Australia.
There will also be a short film explaining how to take an HIV test.
Claire MacKenzie, co-chair of Perthshire Pride, said: “Last year it was amazing to have the parade led by Sir Ian McKellen and we’re disappointed that the events can’t go ahead this year due to the pandemic.
“However, we’re thrilled that Alan Cumming is leading our online celebrations and we’re sure all our supporters will enjoy the series of films we've lined up, and we’re so grateful to everyone involved.
“We look forward to meeting up with our friends and community in person as soon as it’s safe to do so”.
You can catch Alan Cumming’s message of support, and all other content on www.perthshirepride.com; on Facebook @perthshirepride; on Instagram @perthshirepride from August 6.
