26+ images from glorious Pride Glasgow in Scotland

Having a blast at Pride Glasgow 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, led this year’s Pride Glasgow parade. Although Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, has previously spoken at the festival, this is the first year that she has led it. Organizers announced yesterday announced that she would be the event’s Grand Marshall.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, posed for a selfie with a member of the public (Photo: David Hudson)

An estimated 8,000 participants took part in the parade, with up 50,000 spectators watching along the route.

In a press statement issued ahead of the event, Sturgeon said, ‘I’m proud that Scotland is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTI equality and Pride Glasgow is a fantastic event that brings communities together and celebrates all that LGBTI people bring to Scottish life.

Nicola Sturgeon at Pride Glasgow 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)

‘As a society we must champion equality and fairness at all times and defend the progress that has been made. I am pleased to be named as the first ever honorary Grand Marshal of Pride Glasgow and I look forward to joining young LGBTI people in the parade to mark Scotland’s Year of Young People.’

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Photo: David Hudson)

President Trump’s visit to Scotland

This year’s Glasgow Pride gathered at Clyde Place, just south of the river of the same name. It made its way through Glasgow City Centre, which only yesterday had played host to protests against US President Donald Trump’s Scotland visit.

Glasgow Pride 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)

While Trump spent today playing golf at his Turnberry course, some Pride-goers addressed his presence in their country with their own placards.

Europe’s biggest trans flag carried through the streets of Glasgow (Photo: David Hudson)

However, most used the event to demonstrate LGBTI pride – with a particular emphasis on T. Following a much-reported anti-trans protests by radical feminists at Pride in London last weekend, Pride Glasgow featured what organizers believe is Europe’s biggest trans flag. Many of those walking also wrapped themselves in trans flags or carried signs in solidarity with the trans community. Some women marched with signs saying ‘No TERFS’ (TERFS an acronym for ‘Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists’).

‘No TERFS’ at Pride Glasgow (Photo: David Hudson)

The march featured the usual selection of corporate floats and walking groups. It made its way to the beautiful Kelvingrove Park. Here, a ticketed concert will run through Saturday evening and on Sunday. Highlight performers include Mel C of the Spice Girls, who will take the stage on Sunday. The festivities will draw to a close with a concert from Steps tomorrow evening.

A pro-refugee contingent at Glasgow Pride (Photo: David Hudson)

Sturgeon have a stirring speech to launch the parade, saying: ‘Love and respect and dignity for all is what defines this country of ours. Happy Pride everyone’. Later, she appeared again on the stage in Kelvingrove Park, stating she’d much rather be at Pride than having an audience with Donald Trump.