A number of stars may be performing at this year’s London Pride, but we know it’s your signs and outfits that stole the show in silence.
More than a million people flocked to the capital today for the 50th anniversary of the first march ever.
The sky turned rainbow-colored as LGBT + people, allies, activists, politicians, motorcyclists, celebrities and even dogs marched through the capital for the first time since the pandemic.
Metro.co.uk is on the scene to talk to people about why the event is so important (and to find out the best outfits and signs on display).
In a provocative message to religious zealots, one banner said, “If God hates us, why are we so cute?”
Another banner with a religious theme said, “Jesus had two fathers.”
Other signs have inspirational messages about inclusivity and being yourself.
One person wore a T-shirt that said, “The only choice I made was to be myself.”
Another wore a Harry Potter-themed top that said, “No one should stay in a closet.”
The march was led by Gay Liberation Front (GLF) activists who organized the very first Pride parade in the UK 50 years ago.
Some have held posters saying ‘I was there in 1972’ and that they are ‘still fighting’ for global LGBT + freedom.
Peter Tatchell, a GFL veteran, delivered an exciting speech in which he called on the UK’s biggest Pride opportunity to return to its radical political roots.
He said in the early days of Pride marches, people were not only campaigning for equal rights for the LGBTQ + community, but also greater social change.
More than 600 LGBT + community groups joined the march.
Many used the parade to highlight key issues facing the community, such as conversion therapy, the wage gap and the lack of safe spaces for homeless people.
Others have raised awareness about countries where it is still illegal to be gay.
Mohammed Nazir (24) from Bangladesh, of the campaign group Rainbows Across Borders, said he wanted to dedicate this year’s pride to those who are forced to still hide their sexuality.
He said: ‘Pride is about self-affirmation, dignity and equality. It’s a way to meet other LGBTQ people. Pride is a movement where we still fight for our rights. ‘
Protesters also took to the streets in defiance of Vladimir Putin, demanding that the Russian tyrant end his war in Ukraine.
“If you stand for freedom, stand for Ukraine”, a row of protesters sang, with placards reading: “Peace for Ukraine, trial for Russia”, and “I was raped in Bucha”
There was a large turnout of the Labor Party, including leader Sir Keir Starmer, deputy leader Angela Raynor and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Mr Khan said there was still a ‘danger’ to the LGBT + community of ‘discrimination, prejudice and violence’ and warned of being ‘complacent’.
He delivered a speech while the London Gay Men’s Chorus, which took part in the march, described an assault on one of its members and his partner in the early hours of Saturday morning as a ‘terrible attack’.
A man has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of having seriously injured in what the force said it considered a homophobic hate crime.
The choir said the attack only serves to underscore the importance of fighting homophobia and all forms of discrimination.
Mr Khan said: ‘This year is the 50th anniversary of Pride, to celebrate this community, to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also to keep campaigning and never be complacent.
‘We saw an attack in Oslo this time last week just hours before that parade, where two people lost their lives and more than 20 were injured.
‘So, we need to be aware of the fact that there is still a danger to this community of discrimination, prejudice and violence. But allies like me are very important in supporting this community. ‘
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Metro.co.uk celebrates 50 years of Pride
This year is 50 years of Pride, so it just seems fitting that Metro.co.uk goes above and beyond in our ongoing LGBTQ + support, through a wealth of content that not only celebrates everything Pride celebrates, but also shares stories, time take to reflect and cultivate community awareness this Pride month.
And we have some amazing names on board to help us too. From a list of well-known guest editors who take over the site for a week that includes roof rinder, Nicholas Adams, Peter Tatchell, Kimberly Hart Simpson, John White, Anna Richardson and Dr Ranjas well as keeping Sir Ian McKellen a Drag Race stars The Vivienne, Lawrence Chaney and Tannie Kofi to offer their insights.
During Pride Month, which runs from 1 – 30 June, Metro.co.uk will also support Kyiv Pride, a Ukrainian charity that is forced to work harder than ever to protect the rights of the LGBTQ + community during times of conflict, and the Youth Homelessness Charity AKT. To find out more about their work, and what you can do to support them, click here.
For Metro.co.uk‘s latest Pride coverage, click here.