Northern Pride took place on 23 to 24 July in Newcastle. The march began at the Civic Centre and paraded through the city centre all the way to Town Moor. Northern Pride director, Ste Dunn said that the festival’s theme of “Remember, Resist and Rise Up” was “an homage to our collective history”.
Why the need for Pride?
This is a question I am often asked when I mention that I take part to Pride Events.
Pride is a movement fighting for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Pride is an opportunity to raise awareness of the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a celebration of diversity.
The term LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The symbol “+” is an inclusive symbol to mean “and others” to include people of all identities, including allies (i.e. people who support the LGBTQ+ cause, even though they don’t identify within the community itself).
Pride and LGBTQ+ fight for equal rights
It is important to always remember that the current rights for the LGBTQ+ community and the Pride celebrations in the UK have been achieved through the hard work of activists over the past 50 years. The fight for equal rights is far from over.
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Activism at Newcastle Pride
Placards at the march showed support for the rights of the trans community (“Trans rights are human rights”) and advocated a ban of the conversion therapy for all.
Anti-Tory feelings were also much evident during the march.
The Labour party was present at Pride, supporting the LGBTQ+ refugees.
North East against Racism advocated the closure of Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (formerly called Hassockfield).
