Browse the site
A new grassroots initiative, Proud in Hitchin, is offering free digital and printable posters for businesses and community groups to share on their social media and networking platforms to promote Hitchin as an inclusive mid‑week and weekend destination for LGBTQ+ visitors.
The independent project was launched by local trans woman Katie Wilson, who says the campaign is her way of giving back to the town that supported her. Katie describes Hitchin as “my home and my refuge” and adds that, in difficult economic times, encouraging more visitors to the town would be a meaningful way to repay that acceptance. “If it wasn’t for Hitchin, I wouldn’t be here now,” she said.
Digital posters and online sharing
Unlike many welcome campaigns that focus on window stickers or physical signage, Proud in Hitchin is specifically offering artwork designed for online use. The posters are sized and formatted for social media, websites, newsletters, and community networks so local traders and organisations can easily share the message with their followers.
Katie goes on to say the aim is simple: to make Hitchin visible as a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ visitors and to encourage more people to discover the town’s independent shops, cafés, markets, cultural venues and nearby countryside.
Building on local pride
Katie says the campaign seeks to build on the work of established local groups such as North Herts PRIDE, which has become an established part of the community. Proud in Hitchin aims to show the LGBTQ+ community what the town already offers — from inclusive sports clubs and churches to theatres, a museum and lavender fields — and to encourage visitors who might not otherwise consider Hitchin for a short break.
Early interest
Although the project is run by one person, Katie reports encouraging early interest. She has contacted LGBTQ+ organisations, travel websites, magazines and tourist information centres asking them to share the campaign and its posters across their networks, and says she has already received positive responses and requests for artwork.
How to get the posters
Businesses, community groups and individuals who want to support the campaign can request printable and digital poster images by emailing: [email protected]
Katie finishes by adding every online share helps: “This is an opportunity to encourage more people into the town, and that can only be a good thing.”
