Why we have Pride and why it is still so important!

2022 marks 50 years since the first Pride protest in the UK.

First, for those who are unaware, it’s worth remembering exactly what Pride is.
Pride started as a protest against how LGBTQ+ people were being treated. It was about standing up and saying that we are not going to accept that anymore.

Now it’s a celebration of the work of LGBTQ+ people, it’s about acceptance and equality and raising awareness of issues still affecting our community.

That very first official event was a Gay Pride rally in London on 1 July 1972. This date was chosen because it was the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots (28 June 1969). 2000 people participated that day. 

The first march, however, was 18 months earlier in November 1970 when 150 gay men walked through Highbury fields in North London. 

Other areas of the UK began to follow suit with Brighton holding their first Pride in 1973 

The march became a regular event in London but in 1981 the march moved from London to Huddersfield. The Yorkshire gay community were being harassed by the police, who were raiding the Gemini Club (a leading nightclub at the time).

In 1983 the march became known as the “Lesbian and Gay Pride” 

The introduction of Section 28 in 1988 brought more people to the streets protesting against the government’s plans.

You may be surprised to know that it was 1991 before Northern Ireland held its first Pride event.

Now there are events in every major city up and down the country. 

Tell us about your favourite Pride in the comments below!