It might be cold and grey outside your window right now, but brighter things are on the horizon. In just a few short weeks, thousands of people throughout the UK will be attending Pride Month 2023 events and celebrating all things LGBTQ+. Preparing for Pride Month UK 2023 is always fun, but if this is your first time getting involved or your first time at the London parade, we bring you the essen
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ community gets together to celebrate Pride in many different ways. This special month is host to many events that recognise the influence and positive change that LGBT people have brought to the worldwide community over the years. Why is Pride held in June? This was when the Stonewall riots took place back in the 60s. But more of that a little later.
Imagine walking down the street hand in hand with the person you love. It’s such a simple gesture and something most people don’t give a second thought to. But for many people in the LGBTQ+ community, this isn’t always the case.
Being a gay man in the UK was a crime until 1967. And it was only in 2008 that it became a crime to incite homophobic hatred. We’ve come a long way since then, but there is still so much work to do.
Pride is significant in many ways. Yes, it’s a wonderful celebration that is getting bigger every year. However, Pride events are also about empowering LGBTQ+ people to stand up for and reclaim the human rights and freedoms they are still denied in everyday life and everyday situations.
Pride Month, running throughout the month of June, is dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ culture, the uplifting of LGBTQ voices, and the support of LGBTQ rights.
From parades and protests to live theatre and drag performances, Pride is part celebration and part political activism. Pride also provides people with a chance to remember beloved members of the community who have sadly lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and hate crimes.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall uprising, which occurred in June 1969. The first Gay Pride Liberation March was held in Manhattan in 1970 to mark the one-year anniversary of the uprising. However, it would take a further 30 years before Pride Month became official. Let’s take a closer look at the history.
What started out as a protest back in 1969 is now a celebration and symbol of hope for LGBTQ+ communities around the world. However, there is still so much work to do. While a lot of progress has been made, there are many LGBTQ people in repressive settings that still need to live and love the way they choose to under the radar. Pride will continue to grow and evolve to help communities worldwide to gain the rights they deserve and make a stand wherever necessary.
In the early hours the of 28th of June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Three nights of unrest and riots followed as the LGBT people started fighting back against the police brutality and prejudice they had been victims of for too long. The anniversary is a reminder to LGBTQ people and the world how important it is to stand together in defiance of those seeking to divide us.
Back in Britain, not long after the Stonewall riots took place, the British chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded. The first Gay Pride Rally took place in 1972 in London. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Pride celebrations include parades, parties, picnics, peaceful protests, concerts, workshops and so much more. LGBT events around the world attract millions of participants and everybody, gay, straight, in or out, is welcome to attend.
Memorials are also held during Pride Month to remember members of the community who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDs or hate crimes.
Pride Month 2023 kicks off in the UK on the 1st of June and runs through to the 30th of June. It’s the biggest and most diverse celebration in the LGBTQ calendar and 2023 looks like it’s going to be off the scale.
The climax of this month-long event is, of course, the vibrant and colourful London parade. This takes place on Saturday 1st July. Take a seat in a prestigious position along the parade route or join the crowds and celebrate alongside fellow members of the LGBT community.
There are many ways you can show your support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond. Educate yourself.
Take time to learn about the history of LGBTQ rights. Wear pride colours. You could also volunteer at a Pride event.
Many events are run solely by volunteers and it’s one of the most fun times you can have while working.
The month of June is crammed with Pride marches, festivals, runs, concerts, and peaceful human rights protests. Attend a drag show, gather friends to dance, and get ready to celebrate. Above all else, be safe. While the roots of Pride will never be forgotten, today’s events are about making a stand through celebration, enjoying life, and being supportive of LGBT people everywhere. Whether you choose Pride Month to come out, to become a better ally, or show off the Pride outfit you’ve been working on all winter, have FUN.
Pride is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made towards acceptance and equality throughout the LGBTQ+ community. There are many ways you can celebrate, including:
Whether you attend Pride UK events or you’re lucky enough to experience Pride in a more exotic location, it’s the best way to celebrate all things LGBTQ+. So, be free to live how you want to be, be supportive, be safe.
