Its a Pride Thing
Once a year the streets of London overflow with rainbows and
groups of people all chanting and dancing their way from Baker Street to
Trafalgar Square. The reason? Gay Pride of course. June 27th saw
London’s 30th annual gay pride march since gay activists joined the
miners in 1985 in a march for equality and freedom. Since then the march has
gained international recognition, with thousands of people taking to the
streets for this iconic day.
This year saw a new message sent out to the masses, a day
after America legalised gay marriage, men, women and children came to London to
show their support for love conquering legislation. The march is open to all
groups and shows no distinction towards background, race or religion, one of
the most vocal groups involved were Muslims chanting “we’re here, we’re queer
and we don’t drink beer”. How great is that?
If you happen to be in London at the end of June, then
cancel all of your plans, wear as many bright clothes as possible and take to
the centre of London to join the crowds and cheer on the parade. The parade in
London beats all the others due to the volume of people who attend, I spoke to
a couple of people who were there on the day who had travelled from all over
the world to join the parade and add their voice to pride. Interestingly
several of the gay members of the parade were saying how pride was changing
from being just about homosexuality and becoming more of a celebration of being
yourself and accepting who you are.
One thing to remember though is that it is first and
foremost a parade, although it still has a political edge to it, the parade has
come a long way since 1985 and is now an excuse to grab a bunch of friends,
head down to Trafalgar square and sing Katy Perry songs to your hearts
content.
Until Next Time
x
Expat Diaries
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