The annual Pride Parade in central London
H&F Council is celebrating Pride in London by screening a fascinating documentary about the movement at the Lyric Theatre.
The film, called Pride? chronicles the ongoing fight for equal rights, the celebration of gay culture, its commercialisation and what it means to people who identify as LGBT+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and the many other sexual and gender minorities).
We’ll also be flying the rainbow flag again at Hammersmith Town Hall and council staff will be wearing rainbow laces throughout the festival which runs from 24 June to 9 July.
Cas Bradbeer, H&F’s Deputy Youth Mayor, and who is a member of the LGBT+ community, is helping organise Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s efforts to mark Pride in London.
“I think it’s really important that young people are involved in raising awareness of minority rights and have a key role in tackling stigma and discrimination,” Cas said.
“I am passionate about LGBT+ rights and I am so pleased to have been involved in organising H&F’s Pride event this year.”
The screening of Pride? will take place at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday 1 July. Starting at 7pm, it will include a Q&A with the director as well as Lukasz Konieczka, CEO of the Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 which partially decriminalised homosexuality yet sadly prejudice against the LGBT+ community is still prolific. Recent research by Pride London reveals that nearly half of all LGBT+ Londoners say they have been victims of hate crime.
“Pride is a fantastic celebration of LGBT+ rights but it also has a serious message,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council.
“Great strides have been made over the years and the film explores the journey the movement has taken.
“We hope you can join us for our screening of Pride? as part of this fantastic London-wide festival to help celebrate and show your support for the LGBT+ community.”
The Pride Parade takes place in central London on Saturday 8 July. It is the 45th year since Britain’s first parade began in 1972.
You can find out more at the Pride London website.
