Aaron Kiely on why it’s time for Waltham Forest’s first Pride event Late last year there were two violent homophobic attacks in Walthamstow – […]By Waltham Forest Echo
Aaron Kiely on why it’s time for Waltham Forest’s first Pride event
Organisers of the Waltham Forest Pride event
Late last year there were two violent homophobic attacks in Walthamstow – with gay men punched and told “you are not welcome”.
This is against the backdrop of a soaring number of attacks on lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain – a near 80 per cent rise in the past four years. Two in five trans people have experienced a hate crime or incident based on their gender identity in the last 12 months.
In response to the attacks, the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans) community held a successful protest against homophobia. And from that, LGBT residents were keen to organise a ‘Pride’ event in Waltham Forest
Pride is marked across the world as a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and to mark the ongoing campaign for equality. Despite big steps forward, including legal protections and more accepting public attitudes, there are still big problems facing the LGBT people. Hate crime, bullying in schools, and high rates of homelessness, are just some of the issues facing LGBT communities.
We Are Waltham Forest Pride is a group committed to organising a Pride event that is inclusive, diverse, political, anti-racist, and fun. All LGBT residents and our allies for equality are welcome to join in the day.
We will have great speakers, all the gay anthems you could want, community stalls, lots of glitter, rainbow flags, and a brilliant time! We are also a family-friendly event.
We hope to make Pride an annual tradition in Waltham Forest – recently named London Borough of Culture 2019. We want to make it clear to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people – “you are welcome”.
We Are Waltham Forest Pride takes place on Saturday 28th July in Walthamstow Town Square, from 12pm. Starting at 8pm two local venues – Victoria and The Chequers in Walthamstow – will host 12 fab acts and brilliant DJs, with free entry. For more information:
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