Pride 2019: A World Without Hate
Another year, another glittering, shining, energised pride parade. From Marylebone to Piccadilly Circus, and — last but not least — Trafalgar Square, not a single one of London’s most popular sights was left untouched by the roaring crowds and enthusiastic marchers. Rainbows, bubbles, and glitter abound as London made its mark as one of the most diverse, and welcoming cities in the world.
Just a few of those seen marching in this year’s parade included Dykes on Bikes, trans charity Mermaids, Morris dancers, and Jiu-Jitsu martial artists. Perhaps most notably, on this year’s 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the parade kicked off with the chant of “Marsha P fought for me”, reminding everyone that a black trans woman was one of the prominent figures that helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ rights. Several university LGBTQ+ societies made an appearance in the parade, alongside members of the public sector including, paramedics, fire service, and police officers to a cacophony of beeping horns and blaring sirens screaming “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re brave”. Many — not just marchers, but spectators too — arrived in their gayest apparel. Most were draped in rainbow flags, or trans, bi, pan, or other flags. Some had on their highest heels, their cropped tops, their 3-piece-suits and ball gowns. Drag artists took to the streets in their finest get-ups or their weird and wonderful couture. No two people were alike, and individuality shone brightly through alongside the beaming smiles on everyone’s faces.
As the parade went on, pumping music filled the streets, streams of bubbles flew through the air, and even a rainbow flag was created by planes soaring overhead. Hatred, sadness, and negativity had no place in this combination of individuals that together became one living, breathing organism. Pride is simultaneously a place of uniqueness and togetherness; to celebrate difference and to connect. Those that came to ridicule and chide were quickly drowned out by the sounds of love and acceptance. Even preachers reciting verses and brandishing damnations could not penetrate the reinforced steel walls of London’s pride, and were outshone by a vocal group of “Christians for Love”. For a few shining hours, it truly seemed like hate did not exist.
If you are LGBTQ+ and interested in filmmaking (either front of camera, or behind the scenes), MADE are looking for participants for their Pride Against Prejudice film project. To get involved, go to https://www.madetv.org/get-involved/rainbow-films-lgbtq-filmmaking-project
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