PRESS RELEASE
HAPPENING TODAY AT PRIDE IN LONDON PARADE:
The Gay Liberation Front, the veterans from the first historic protest in 1972, will lead the parade
Hyde Park Corner Step off at 1200; Pride in London shares top tips for a safe and happy Pride
The Piccadilly Lights, the world’s most famous advertising screen, will light up the sky with rainbow brilliance for a colourful celebration this year starting from 12:45
“50 Seconds for #AllOurPride” a collective moment to pay homage to 50th anniversary and encourage the LGBT+ community to uniquely express what Pride means to them (after 18:00)
Iconic performers, headline acts, and surprise announcements across Pride in London four stages across Central London
For the latest parade guidelines, real-time updates and information please follow our social channels @PrideinLondon and website
LONDON - Today, Saturday 2 July, the 2022 Pride Parade returns to the streets of the capital with over 30,000 participants from all sections of the community and over 400 community groups. Today’s parade will pay homage to the 1972 march, with the Gay Liberation Front leading the parade, passing significant sites from the UK’s first LGBT+ movement. At 12:00 PM, the parade kicks off at Hyde Park Corner, the terminus for the first momentous 1972 march, where mining communities showed solidarity with the LGBT+ community in 1985. From Hyde Park Corner, the parade continues down Piccadilly, through Piccadilly Circus. The parade then turns south on Haymarket, through Trafalgar Square, before culminating at Whitehall Place. This year, we are calling for the UK Government to ban conversion therapy, reform Gender Recognition, as well as providing equal protection for LGBT+ communities against hate crime, end its hostile environment towards migrants, establish a national Aids memorial, and to take a leading role in tackling violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people around the globe
Chris Joell-Deshields, Executive Director for Pride in London, said: “Today, we come together for the 50th anniversary of that very first historic protest in the UK in 1972, to champion those veterans who paved the way, and march forward together for visibility, unity and equality. The rights and freedoms that have been achieved since that first march are nothing short of momentous, but there is more to be done. “
Pride in London is rooted in the pillars of visibility, unity, and equality. Bringing this to life will be “50 Seconds for #AllOurPride,” a collective unifying experience, during the Pride parade to pay homage to that first historic Pride protest in 1972 and celebrate our continued progress. That unification of LGBT+ people and the victory of rights we enjoy today is one of the greatest stories in British history of the past 50 years. In the face of adversity, discrimination, and oppression, the LGBT+ community has persevered through the most challenging of times, and “50 Seconds for #AllOurPride” will encourage the community to celebrate this in a way that uniquely resonates with them, whether it be joyous cheering, clapping, dancing, silent reflection, or demanding equality for all; we come together as one.
Beyond celebrating the diversity of the LGBT+ community and promoting its visibility, the parade is an occasion for advocacy, with Pride in London calling on the UK Government to:
ban conversion therapy for all LGBT+ people;
reform the Gender Recognition Act;
provide equal protection for LGBT+ communities against hate crime;
end its hostile environment toward migrants,
establish a national AIDS memorial thatacknowledges the impact of HIV and AIDS, honours and remembers those who we have lost
take a leading role in tackling violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people around the globe.
TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE, PROUD AND LOUD PRIDE:
While an aspect of Pride is about having loads of fun and coming together as a community, Pride also has a rich history behind it, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City and the first ever protest here in the UK. If you're going to attend your first Pride – and we’re expecting a record number of first timers, as in-person Pride returns after three years -- here are some essential tips to make sure you enjoy yourself and stay safe.
Pride is for everyone.
LGBT+ or not, you shouldn’t be worried that you don’t fit in at Pride; put that thought out of your head right away! Pride is for everyone, and is a chance for you to celebrate not just your gender and sexuality, but always as yourself – and you’re perfect! With that said, Pride attracts people from all walks of life, including sexualities and gender, so it’s crucial to keep an open-mind and be respectful when meeting new people or seeing new things. Pride is a judgement free-zone, spanning five decades of queer history, and kindness, acceptance, and mutual respect are of the utmost importance.
While fun, Pride is not a party and drinking isn’t compulsory
Pride is all about letting loose and having fun. There are many cities that have a selection of sober Pride events and you won't be the only person not drinking at Pride - and there will also be many non-alcoholic options you could ask for even at the parties with drinks!
On the day, there will be Pride in London volunteers throughout all areas of London that the festival touches, specifically there to provide information, assistance, and escalate any safety concerns.
Prepare accordingly.
The whole point of Pride is to celebrate who you truly are - so you are completely free to wear whatever you want. So, don't think too much about outfit choices but pack anything you love to wear and you're most comfortable in. If you'd rather try something you've never worn before, then go for that – there are no restrictions – and on July 2 it’s time to let your rainbow flag fly in the most authentic way. Also – don’t forget sun cream!
DAY OF PARADE INFORMATION:
On Saturday 2 July, after a two-year hiatus, the 2022 Pride Parade will return to the streets of the capital with over 30,000 participants from all sections of the community and nearly 600 community groups.
The parade pays homage to the 1972 march, passing significant sites from the UK’s first LGBT+ movement.
At 12 PM, the parade kicks off at Hyde Park Corner, the terminus for the first momentous 1972 march, where mining communities showed solidarity with the LGBT+ community in 1985. From Hyde Park Corner, the parade continues down Piccadilly, through Piccadilly Circus.
The parade then turns south on Haymarket, through Trafalgar Square, before culminating at Whitehall Place around 18:00.
Where to watch? The best place to watch the Parade is from our Grandstands. Tickets are available from here.
Staging Areas: Golden Square, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square Stage, Dean Street Soho, Soho Square – a selection of food and beverage vendors will also be available within the Stage Areas.
Family Area: St Giles Church Yard, dedicated family area with activities and performances for parents with children
MEDIA CONTACT: Haven Thorn, Head of PR, haventhorn@prideinlondon.org