Pride in London announces a theme which ‘will send message of defiance’ to haters
The London Pride parade’s theme for this year will be “Love Happens Here,” it has been announced.
Pride in London is keen to emphasise the “hope, acceptance, activism and love” of the capital, while also shining a light on ongoing LGBT rights struggles.
50 years after homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK, the organisation wanted to make clear that there was “still work to do,” and that much of that was Britain’s fault.
“Same-sex couples in Northern Ireland still don’t have the same rights as the rest of the UK, and it is because of Britain’s historical role in the world that anti-LGBT+ laws exist throughout the commonwealth,” a spokesperson said.
As a political battle rages on in the US over trans rights and whether LGBT refugees will be allowed to come to the US to escape persecution, many Pride events are ditching the partying for more sombre protests.
Leading the pack, Los Angeles Pride has thrown out much of its traditional celebrations, with a large ‘resist’ protest set to take place instead of a parade, and other Pride events are expected to follow suit.
Pride in London, however, has decided to emphasise celebration over protest.
We are thrilled to announce our theme for 2017 is #LoveHappensHere https://t.co/5t06ByRkhd pic.twitter.com/mQhaCDaRvj
— Pride in London (@LondonLGBTPride) March 16, 2017
Organisers are calling on the LGBT community to send in personal stories using “#LoveHappensHere,” which will help build a “map of love” to emphasise how accepting the capital is.
“We’re asking each and every one of you to show the world that London is open, and that Love Happens Here,” a spokesperson said.
“We want to hear your grand gestures, your intimate moments, the times you fell in love.”
The spokesperson predicted that the parade on July 8 would be the largest ever, adding: “As we continue to battle discrimination at home and abroad, London will send a defiant message to those who wish the LGBT+ community harm.
“We will take a defiant stand against hate, but also importantly, celebrate who we are.
“When we stand together we are a powerful and positive symbol of acceptance, support and friendship.”
Speaking on London Live, communications director James Holt said this year’s Pride would be “poignant,” emphasising there were still battles being fought all over the world for LGBT rights.
Learn more about this year's #LoveHappensHere theme and how you can get involved @LondonLive pic.twitter.com/thFttrqQ54— Pride in London (@LondonLGBTPride) March 16, 2017
