The month of June marks Pride month and Newport’s very first Pride in the Port celebration was announced..
Prudence Wade speaks to some of the leading voices within the LGBTQ+ community to find out what Pride could be more different than usual This year.
The month of June is upon us and that means it’s Pride month. It’s a time to honor our LGBTQ+ community, look at how far they’ve come and consider what positive changes are required to be made in the near future.
While the majority of Pride celebrations occur during June, other marches and other events are held all through the year, for instance, London Trans+ Pride on July 9 in addition to UK Black Pride on August 14.
This year is expected to be an extremely important year. Not only will 2022 bring back major events following some years of restrictions imposed by Covid, however, Pride in London (July 2) will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the event, Pride Edinburgh (June 25) the 25th anniversary as well as Chester Pride (August 13-14) the 10th anniversary.
Prior to the pandemic, Pride celebrations were becoming ever larger and larger and some even suggested the celebrations had lost its origins: to protest. The pandemic has caused a lot of us to stop and think about our priorities and what impact could this have on the way we celebrate Pride will be in the coming year?
A space for people trying to figure out their identity
“I believe Pride will continue to play an extremely important function,” says Tag Warner the director of Gay Times and Gay Times. He says”Pride” is a word that he uses and not just in reference to the parade that takes place in London as well, as well “also Trans Pride, UK Black Pride and other local Prides, etc”.
The effect Warner observes the most “is young people discovering their identity, and become exposed to others who may share an identity that is shared” and later feel that “I’m not the only one and I’m able to be accepted, I’m not an environment where I feel as if I’m an odd person out.”
It’s not only young people who gain from the sense of community of Pride as well. According to Warner states: “There might be people of all ages who are only beginning to discover their identities. It’s exciting to watch people feel at ease within a world that’s made for them where they’re not the only one in the crowd and feel welcomed by the people who surround them.”
In a way of protest
Pride began as a form of protest.
“In 1972 in 1972, when Gay Liberation Front Gay Liberation Front organised the first ever Pride parade and marched in protest against the use of force by police as well as the unjust age of consent laws , and the social attitudes that allowed discrimination against LGBTI+ people,” says Phyll Opoku-Gyimah who is often referred to as Lady Phyll co-founder , executive director and co-founder for UK Black Pride and the executive director of the world-renowned LGBTQ+ human rights charity, Kaleidoscope Trust.
“These activists and organizers were inspired by a chance encounter in Philadelphia with Black Panthers in Philadelphia the year before, and we began our Pride campaign in the UK started with what we call now an inter-sectional focus.”
Lady Phyll states that UK Black Pride was a time when she “always considered it essential to have Pride remain a political party” however “over time that specific communities are given rights, there’s been less attention or concern about the numerous and diverse different ways LGBTQI+ people are affected in the UK remain negatively impacted by discrimination, racism, and the plight that austerity has brought to the majority of people”.
Warner acknowledges that the meaning behind Pride has changed throughout the years. “I am not blaming the excitement associated with it (the celebrations getting bigger and largerand bigger],” he says. “Of course , it’s thrilling – it’s a thing that grows each year. But I’m sure that people completely disengaged from what they were doing.”
He says Covid offered many the chance to reflect on the things that matter and that we may see more of the protesting spirit during the next Pride. “Covid was devastation however the bright side was that it gave us the chance to consider for a moment about the meaning behind this whole event,” he reflects.
This year, he hopes that people will think about the impact on politics that comes with Pride: “What are our rights? What are the cultural and societal problems – and not only from a legal standpoint? How can we get together to figure out what our priorities are, and then make noise about them, then take on them in one voice?
“I believe that’s the reason why Pride plays a crucial role in the political arena – it communicates that to LGBTQ+ population that their voices are important.” Warner also hopes that the event will see a specific emphasis on issues of rights, treatment and protections for non-binary and transgender people. “The work isn’t over There’s a lot that needs to be accomplished,” he adds.
Lady Phyll is also hoping to see a change at Pride. “It appears that there might be an increased recognition that Pride events have become business-like and not enough attention on the actual issues that affect LGBTQI+ communities in the UK including food and job insecurity homeless, mental health, and the depletion of vital health services” she says.
The theme for the upcoming UK Black Pride – held on the 14th of August at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London”power” is the theme. “Many of us see “power” in the way it’s been used against us: dominance and coercion,” explains Lady Phyll. “And we’d like to remind us as well as our community that we will continue to show immense power through the ways that we stand up for one another as well as in the ways that we stand up against injustice, and by the way we incorporate the values of love and unity in our lives and work.
“That strength we have shown in our partnership should be praised and amplified “Power” feels like the perfect way to recognize this difficult and exciting time we live together.”
Enhancing Pride more inclusive
“In order to allow Pride to truly be inclusive, the celebration should reflect and acknowledge the fact that different LGBTQI+ individuals and communities require different things. Pride isn’t just a time to celebrate our achievements however, it should also serve as an opportunity to highlight the things that need to be improved and requires to be addressed immediately,” Says Lady Phyll.
She has cited research from the UK Black Pride’s survey of 2021″We’ll Be Heard which found that 47% of the respondents reported being insulted and/or harassed. intimidated – with 56% saying that it was caused by their race or ethnicity and 47% citing their sexual orientation.
“In order for any one of us to appear in the world, or even at Pride and as a proud person, have to be able to meet our needs,” says Lady Phyll and suggests that a big part of this is to allow people of color to be able to enjoy LGBTQ+ spaces in which they can feel welcome in addition to addressing concerns regarding mental health care and job security, as well as the accessibility of food.
What should allies be thinking about in the midst of Pride
For Warner Allies, they must be aware of “the distinction between being there to help and encourage rather than being the center of focus”. Warner continues: “I think it’s great for straight allies to have an instant before whatever is taking place – whether it’s an event or the whole month and declare, ‘It’s fine that this isn’t about me’ however, the best thing I could do is to use my energy to encourage and help others. ?’.”
It could be asking an older friend or family member to ask you to join them at an Pride celebration. “I’ve witnessed a lot of straight people – whether they’re siblings, parents or brothers taking a family member to an Pride marches, and that is so wonderful because there’s someone they know and are able to trust to help them.”
While Warner does not want people who are straight to consider the challenges facing LGBTQ+ people just once every year, that it gives people greater awareness of LGBTQ+ topics and issues and allow them to consider: “How can I take this chance to take some time to further educate myself and to question any thoughts or beliefs I might hold?”
