The first Pride march took place in New York in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots. The movement began by demanding equal rights and over the past 50 years it has evolved into a festival celebrated worldwide.
More than a million people are expected in the capital to celebrate the biggest parade in the country. But many organisers and activists say there is still more that needs to be done.
Stonewall’s Head of Campaigns, Robbie de Santos said: “Pride is a time to celebrate the progress we've made towards LGBT equality, but also to remember all the work that we still have to do together to make sure that all LGBT people are accepted for who they are.
Pride over the years - In pictures
“Pride is still relevant into 2019, because there's still so much abuse, discrimination and hate that is targeted at LGBT people in Britain and across the world.”
In 2019, the LGBT community has been under attack. Last month a lesbian couple were assaulted on public transport in North London. And protests continue in Birmingham over whether children should be taught about LGBT families.
People of colour have rarely been represented in the mainstream pride celebrations. The Head of Communications at UK Black Pride, Josh Rivers, feels that there needs to be more inclusivity.
“Pride is an amazing opportunity for us to come together in solidarity and unity and to recognise the tremendous contributions that LGBTQ people of colour have made to this movement.”
Journalist and LGBT activist, Benjamin Butterworth urges parents to bring their children to the parade: “I'd really encourage parents to bring their kids to pride. Aside from it being a brilliant festival and lots of fun. You never know what sexuality your kid will grow up to have, it's a completely random allocation. And that's why it's so important that you tell them that it's okay to be gay or trans or any other part of the LGBT umbrella.”
Read More
UK Black Pride is Europe’s largest celebration for LGBTQ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 7 from 12-9pm in Haggerston Park.
