Why we still need LGBT+ Pride
4th July 2015
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We're once more in that wonderful time of year in the UK packed with (hopefully) sunlit celebrations. And no, I don’t mean festival season: I mean Pride. Forget Glastonbury, R&L and the like; it is time for Pride.
Unfortunately, unlike these major summer events, Pride is not necessarily at the forefront of the mainstream media's consideration. Understandably media coverage contributes to the frequency of discussion but, overall, this indicates a wider issue: we currently do not pay as much attention to Pride’s purpose as we should do.
Over the past few weeks I have become increasingly excited by upcoming Pride celebrations. Seeing the different regional charities and organisers announcing musical headliners, parades and vigils is incredibly encouraging, especially as anticipation increases for prospective attendees of all sexualities and identities. It is incredibly positive to witness individuals coming together not only for entertainment, but also to unapologetically support the LGBT+ community’s social visibility, whether this be at the large-scale Pride in London or Manchester Pride events, or more localised merriments across the UK. Seeing such unison is incredibly progressive but, as ever, there are some instances where such sentiments are not shared.
Despite the underlying positivity scenting the air of anticipation for the nationwide Pride events (from a diverse range of supporters), over the past few weeks I have unfortunately heard some less-than-positive thoughts towards the events. Why do we still need Pride? But we are all equal now, aren’t we? I don’t like it because it’s too in your face, are all, sadly, the sort of responses I have heard and read during the build-up to the LGBT+ community’s summertime celebrations, despite the positivity, excitement and support that exists.
Regardless of how the speakers of such remarks self-identify, the questions share one factor in common: they do not consider the purpose and essence of Pride. Of course everyone is equal but, as we have regularly come to see, this is sadly not a socially unanimous perspective.

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