PROUD?

Thanks once again to everyone who came down to help support Pride with the attempt to bring back some politics into the parade. We had a mixed bunch of people – some for whom had never marched before, through to veteran marchers who’d decided to get back into the march again.

Having met at Baker Street tube we put together our placards and soon made our way to Baker Street to meet the parade.

On our way we met a number of officials who told us where we weren’t allowed to stand. Everything came to a head when we were told that we were not allowed to join the parade next to the sponsored float by one official, then told that we couldn’t join the parade and must walk on the pavement.

Finally, the idiotic official who dared to tell us that “Pride is not a political demonstration” fired us up so much that by now our aim was to march as close to the front as we could.

And we did – although it did involve a couple of skirmishes by over-zealous support staff kitted-out in pink-candy tops.

The aim of our march was to bring back politics into the parade – to challenge people to think about why we’re marching and what it means.

As Peter Tatchell said: “Celebrations and parties are great – but we mustn’t forget the reason why we’re marching in the first place”.

Unfortunately, modern Prides have simply become the chance for organisations and corporations to wave their flags through the centre of London. This is all very well for marketing departments and PR professionals – but for the average gay man or gay woman in the street – it means nothing – it doesn’t inspire them, it doesn’t make them feel involved, it doesn’t connect with them.

It’s easy for brands such as Calvin Klein and Selfridges to gather a gaggle of muscle-boys, spray them in duo-tan and walk down Oxford Street with the inspiration-less sign “Take pride in yourself”. Yeah – thanks for that.

In the 40th year since the Stonewall riots, is this really what Pride’s become – a great opportunity for marketing some underwear to the gays? How depressing.

It was interesting to bump into Sean Ashby – gay owner of Aussiebum – in Soho. Understandably furious that we were using the placard “THINK OUTSIDE THE AUSSIEBUM BOX”  (aiming to highlight political apathy), he soon told us that he himself dis-agreed with the commercialisation of Pride, which was the main reason why they had no banners during this year’s parade. There has much to be admired in that.

He also sent us the following statement: “I believe Pride is about the people and only for the people.  It started as a demonstration against the rights for equality in life.  It was not started to sell or promote commercial brands.  We respectfully keep a polite distance from the event and prefer to put our money where it really counts – and that’s towards people who financially need the support to having a better lifestyle and equality that gives the respect every individual deserves.”

We were also dismayed to find that a number of people from the crowd who wanted to join in with us were prevented from doing so by barriers lining the route and by over-zealous security – some of whom wouldn’t even allow people to jump over the barriers. This, compared to Madrid Pride – whereby the procession passes through streets with no barriers in place – very much creates a “Them & Us” situation. Do we always have to be so confined by health and safety?

Additionally, over-zealous security attempted us from protesting against the religious fundamentalists who gathered towards the end of the parade. Bonkers but true. Unfortunatley for him, we refused and managed to get a good few minutes chanting “Hate is a sin” lead by vocalist Scally Dandan. We’ve since heard of a number of other pride marchers also attempted to do the same. This is all well and good – but simply shouting to people “You’re ugly, old and stupid” is not going to help our cause. It’s making us, as a gay community, appear as fascist and imbecilic as them. If we really want to make our mark, we need to answer our critics with intelligence. We need to give them respect, even if they don’t give it to us. Decency and intelligence will ensure we win the argument, while shouting “You’re an ugly old bitch” just makes us look as vile and as stupid as them.

Personally, this was one of the best London Pride’s I’ve seen in years – possibly because I didn’t just sit back and observe. Walking together with people who also felt that Pride has become too de-politicised gave the parade more meaning. It wasn’t just an opportunity to see another float advertising a gay charity or health initiative.

Despite the mistakes the London Pride organisation did – such as ignoring the 40th anniversary of Stonewall – the day was a success. Over 1 million people from all over the country came to central London – even if some of them were just popping pills in Soho Square.

And despite some overly strict stewards, we must remember that all these people are volunteers, and they gave up their time to help out on the day. They didn’t just sit back and watch it all on TV.

And finally, for those who took the easy option and went to Madrid – next time come and join us and do something different next year. By being apathetic, disinterested and seeing Pride as a reason to go TOTO in Soho Square, the same freedoms we enjoy today, may not be there for future generations of gay men and women.