London LGBT+ Community Pride
 | This article needs to be updated. (March 2019) |
| Formation | 6 December 2012 |
|---|---|
| Type | Community Interest Company |
| Purpose | LGBT+ rights |
| Headquarters | London |
Region served | United Kingdom |
Chairs | Michael Salter-Church & Alison Camps |
| Website | prideinlondon.org.org |
London LGBT+ Community Pride is a Community Interest Company that was formed at the end of 2012 to bid for the right to run London's main gay pride festival in the wake of the significantly "scaled back" WorldPride London 2012 event and was awarded the contract on 18 January 2013 by the Mayor of London.
The company's mission is to:[1]
- Be fully inclusive of all sections of the LGBT+ community, free at the point of access
- Provide a celebration of LGBT+ life and a platform to continue the fight for equality and to challenge prejudice
- Grow over time in a sustainable way which is led by the LGBT+ community
History
[edit]A London-based gay pride event has been organized by several organisations since the first official UK Gay Pride Rally which was held in London on 1 July 1972 (chosen as the nearest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969) with approximately 2000 participants.[2][3] The first London gay marches were in November 1970 with 150 men walking through Highbury Fields in North London.[4] The controversy of Section 28 from 1988 lead to numbers increasing on the march in protest. In 1983 the march was renamed "Lesbian and Gay Pride" and in the 1990s became more of a carnival event.[4] London was selected to hold the first Europride in 1992 and hosted it again in 2006.
In 2012, the previous organisers Pride London were forced to significantly "scale back" the WorldPride London 2012 event nine days before the event was due to take place. The London Evening Standard reported that four contractors from the previous year's Pride event were owed £65,000 in unpaid debts, though this has been officially denied by organisers.[5] Subsequently, a bidding process for non-profit community-based organisations to submit bids to run and develop Pride in London was announced by the Mayor of London.[6] The winning bidder, London LGBT+ Community Pride, was awarded the right to run London's main gay pride festival for five years on 18 January 2013.[7]
Recent Developments
[edit]Since being awarded the contract, London LGBT+ Community Pride has successfully organized and expanded the event each year, enhancing its inclusivity and reach. The festival now attracts millions of participants and supporters, making it one of the largest Pride events globally. The organization has introduced various new initiatives, including a focus on mental health support, intersectionality within the LGBT+ community, and greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
In 2023, Pride in London celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of special events and activities, reflecting on the progress made over the decades and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT+ community. The milestone event included a historic march, a vibrant parade, and numerous cultural and educational programs.
The organization continues to advocate for LGBT+ rights and visibility, working closely with local communities, businesses, and governmental bodies to ensure the festival remains a significant and inclusive celebration of diversity and equality.
References
[edit]- ^ "About - Pride in London 2013". London LGBT+ Community Pride. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
- ^ "The Knitting Circle: Pride, Pride History". Archived from the original on 21 February 2007.
- ^ Walton, Tony (2010). Out of the Shadows. Bona Street Press. p. 59. ISBN 978-0-9566091-0-6. Peter Tatchell estimates 700 joined the march itself.
- ^ a b Walton, Tony (2010). Out of the Shadows. Bona Street Press. p. 61. ISBN 978-0-9566091-0-6.
- ^ Tom Harper Peter Dominiczak (26 June 2012). "London's big gay pride party under threat in cash dispute - London - News - London Evening Standard". Standard.co.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- ^ Roberts, Scott (24 October 2012). "Boris Johnson launches bidding process for capital's Pride event". PinkNews.
- ^ Roberts, Scott (18 January 2013). "London City Hall announces winner of Gay Pride bid". PinkNews.
External links
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