Pride in London in 2014. | Photo: Flickr/Andrew Reid Wildman
Pride events celebrate the LGBTI community across the world — but what does that really mean to people?
That’s what Pride in London is aiming to find out.
A Matter of Pride is the volunteer-led organization’s largest ever research project. It starts with a nationwide survey to best answer the question of what the word means.
‘Over the past half decade we have learnt a tremendous amount about what it takes to organise, and have gained invaluable feedback to get to where we are today, which is the second biggest in the world,’ said Co-Chair Alison Camps. ‘As we go into the next five years, we have to unearth what “pride” really means in today’s climate. We celebrate it because it matters, but we know it means different things to each of us.’
The project focuses on discrimination, identity, and what the future looks like.
Camps continued: ‘We are relying on as many people as possible to tell us what they think, so we continue to make what we do open to all.’
Real voices leading the pride charge
Part of the project includes a variety of events, such as debates, talks, and more. It puts the community’s voices and concerns first.
‘With the issues that the community faces, such as racism, ageism and many other prejudices, we carry the responsibility to put on a Pride for everyone,’ said Community Engagement Director Christopher Joell-Deschields.
‘As volunteers, we want open dialogue and conversation around what it needs to be, to help make this happen. [This] is an important way of creating this dialogue and engagement within the communities we represent, and we are calling on them to get involved by taking part, and sharing it among friends and networks.’
The parade takes place this year on 7 July.
To fill out the survey, go here.
Declaration of interest: Gay Star News is a media partner of Pride in London.
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