WALES’ first ‘Virtual Pride’ will take place from Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25 with coronavirus safety measures currently prohibiting mass gatherings.

Starting at 8.30pm, Wales Wide Virtual Pride will keep people connected through Friday and Saturday, before a finale celebrating the unique occasion.

First up, are Jack Emory and Jecca Blac with a special Get Ready With Us featuring the products from Barry-based sponsors, Spectrum Collections.

Introduced multi-talented and award-winning Lady Gaga tribute act, Donna Marie, spend some time in conversation with Jack Emory, otherwise known as Makeup by Jack, and Jessica Blacker, founder of Jecca Blac as they share make-up tips featuring Spectrum Collection brushes.

Ms Blacker started Jecca Blac by offering makeup lessons to trans women in her Cardiff makeup studio, which acted as a safe space.

She also visited Parc Prison to help trans inmates to teach them with makeup.

She was inspired by her clients to create a brand that overlooks gender and concentrates on individuality.

Mr Emory is a self-taught makeup artist and social media personality renowned for his editorial and creative makeup looks.

He has gained widespread popularity within both beauty and influencer industry alike, working alongside brands such as Gucci, Amazon, Esteè Lauder, Illamasqua and more.

He is also the creator of a number of products including a palette with Makeup Revolution, and being the CEO of Tiggy Lashes, has a twin called Iris.

Throughout the weekend the inaugural ground-breaker will showcase, acts and artists, quizzes and queer films, debate and drag queens, messages from ministers and make-up tutorials.

There are hours of content, hundreds of participants, seven thought-provoking panel discussions, eight community/special interest Prides, four choirs, 11 organisations, and seven politicians.

Celebrities include Jess Fishlock, Stifyn Parry, Beth Fisher, Wyburn and Wayne and more role models who have inspired LGBTQ lives.

Welsh Prides - Barry, Bangor, Rhondda, Llantwit Major, Valley, Holyhead, and Powys are ready to roll.

Grassroots groups, and others, such as Glitter Cymru, BiCymru, Umbrella Cymru, and Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival, also appear.

Wales Wide Virtual Pride will celebrate the entire community, across the country, and bring together those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales, and its allies.

LGBTQymru chairwoman, Bleddyn Harris said: "Pride Season with its events throughout the season are the highlight of the LGBTQ+ calendar.

“And with our community feeling even more disconnected and dispersed, as we see our social events suffering those coronavirus cancellations, now is the time to show solidarity.

"LGBTQymru aims to do just that, and is calling on all Prides, LGBTQ+ community groups, charities, acts, organisations, and anyone else who wants to get involved, to please come join us,"

Wales Wide Virtual Pride is a free event, run by a not-for-profit organisation which believes in giving back to the community.

It has secured sponsorship from businesses, such as Principality Building Society, and organisations like Coleg y Cymoedd.

Content and contributions manager Hannah Isted, of Barry, said: "Our mission is to create unified approach to Pride across Wales.

“With a wider focus being on celebration and education, we really want to connect the fabulous LGBTQ+ community of Wales and, during a time where we’ve maybe never felt further apart, bring us all together, all across Wales, all at once."