Brighton Pride 2012 announces theme
A public vote has decided the theme of Brighton Pride 2012 as The United Colours of Pride.
For the first time in its history the theme for Pride in Brighton and Hove, to be held on September 1 this year, was by its local community.
A competition launched on March 23, 2012 in the city’s Argus newspaper invited readers to suggest a theme for the 1 September celebrations. Today the Directors of Pride are delighted to announce that the public vote has chosen The United Colours of Pride as the theme for this year’s parade and Preston park event.
Organisers say The United Colours of Pride is an international theme that celebrates the rainbow flag, using it to raise awareness of those countries where the LGBT community still faces discrimination, giving the event a political edge and relevance in 2012 while not detracting from the carnival atmosphere and colour of the Parade.
This year’s Pride festival – now run by a new community interest group, Pride in Brighton and Hove following fears the event may not go ahead due to its former organiser’s financial situation – sees the selection of this striking theme by the public as an important step in reinstating Pride to its political roots, whilst celebrating the journey of the LGBT community over the years.
Pride Director, Trevor Edwards commented: “We are amazed at the response this competition has received; as you know we would have been happy with either of the choices, but I think United Colours of Pride will be a fantastic theme for the September 1 event. It reflects the evolving attitude towards this year’s festival by remembering the more political side of the Pride movement, whilst reaching out to our community- which is integral to its existence.
“Rainbow colours have long been a symbol of gay pride ever since San Francisco’s Pride in 1978; we have them in our logo and now it’s time to take them to the streets.
“The theme celebrates not only the legacy of Pride up to its status today, but also looks forward to what we can achieve in the future, and asserts our joint wish to return the movement to its community roots. Saturday 1 September it is then, I think we’ll see a blaze of colour representing every element of our community, both here in Brighton & Hove and from around the world.”
