Peter Tatchell: We want equality for all and together we will win against homophobia and transphobia
Speaking at Pride in London today, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell gave an impassioned speech emphasising the need for full equality for all, noting the progress made by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill in the Houses of Parliament.
He said “We want equality for all – LGBT and straight… Together, we will win.” Continuing, he said: “Our efforts are part of a worldwide movement for LGBT equality. Queer freedom is an unstoppable global trend.”
Peter Tatchell, co-organised the first ever London Pride parade in 1972 and has attended every Pride since then. Today was his 41st consecutive Pride parade.
After Mr Tatchell, and representatives from the Peter Tatchell Foundation marched with the parade, speaking from the main Pride stage in Trafalgar Square at 4pm, he gave the following speech.
Are you proud? I can’t hear you?
We have much to be proud of – much to celebrate.
The battle for marriage equality is almost won in Britain.
We are still striving for equal love rights – to end the ban on same-sex civil marriages and to end the ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships.
We want equality for all – LGBT and straight.
Equal rights for all – discrimination for none.
The same-sex marriage Bill still faces attempts to wreck it in the House of Lords. Please help us. Go to the website: LobbyALord.org
Together, we will win.
The battle for marriage equality began way back in 1992, when OutRage! organised five same-sex couples for file applications for civil marriage. They were refused. But we and you have been fighting for equal marriage for 21 years.
Huge thanks to OutRage!, Equal Love, Out4Marriage, the Campaign for Equal Marriage, Stonewall – and to all of you.
Our efforts are part of a worldwide movement for LGBT equality. Queer freedom is an unstoppable global trend.
In most parts of the world LGBT people are silenced and persecuted – especially in countries like Uganda, Iran, Russia, Iraq and Nigeria. To show our solidarity with LGBT people worldwide, let’s make a noise.
Finally, keep hold of the dream of queer freedom, here in Britain and in every country on earth.
Don’t accept homophobia. Dream of a world without homophobia and transphobia. Make homophobia history.
Earlier today, the elected leader of the Greater London Assembly (GLA), Conservative Group Andrew Boff, spoke to PinkNews.co.uk about his support for Pride in London, and defended the Mayor Boris Johnson for not attending.
The parade left from Baker Street, and went all the way to Trafalgar Square.
