29/06/13: Things didn’t go that well with the World Pride 2012, let’s be honest, and so expectations were high for what 2013 might bring.
Luckily, the new Pride board stepped up to the challenge and pulled it off admirably, as most of the gay community would have attest on the day, be you partying and dancing boy or politically minded-activist. It helped that the sun was shining, and the streets of Soho were filled with revellers, whilst the Parade marched down Regent Street bringing all the spirit of the Mardi Gras carnival with it.
Whistles blew, champagne corks popped, laughter filled the air and the booties were shaking. It was also especially appropriate that UK Black Pride joined the festivities, taking over the grand Golden Square for a wonderful day of DJs and live acts.
Standing in Trafalgar Square, watching the sea of people brought together for this LGBT collaboration, one also realised in a moment of touching poignancy this wasn’t only about the festivities though.
We’ve heard about a group on Facebook attempting to get attention for themselves as ‘Straight Pride 2013’, because they feel LGBT Pride is unfair on the heterosexual community. They massively miss the point. Pride in London is a true inclusive celebration of diversity, hammering the political point back home: that no section of society should have reason to hide from view.
Contrast the pictures here of Pride with the distressing images of bloodied violence inflicted upon those sixty or so brave souls trying to organise a Russian Pride in St Petersburg on the same day.
It may seem frivolous to see so many people smiling and having fun when our compatriots are beaten and arrested. However, what a successful Pride like London’s last weekend does is not only celebrate the beauty and attractiveness of acceptance, but also offers a beacon of hope as to how other countries may eventually develop; a beacon going out to all those LGBT citizens living in states less understanding than our own. We are right to be proud.
Words by Patrick Cash
Trafalgar Square stage by Joel Ryder
