These young people marched with National Student Pride at London Pride 2017.
This year’s parade had the theme #LoveHappensHere which was even coupled with it’s own Twitter emoji.
Inspired by 2017 marking the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in England organizers say they wanted to send a message out to those parts of the world where being gay remains a crime.
We asked some of the young people and students in the parade why it was important for them to march in Pride parades.
They had an international outlook when thinking about the march. It was the rights of global LGBTI people that captured their attention.
Rights across the world
Tressa Belesi and Elodie Blanchard – Students
‘Pride is important because although we have rights in the western world there are so many LGBTI people around the world that don’t’
James Grigg and Oscar Tucker – Students
‘We’re here to support people in other countries. I’m very worried about what is happening in Chechnya. At least some of the progress in the rest of Europe is promising.’
Nathan Brannon – Open University Student
‘Young people need to take ownership of the future.’
The young people had their eye on global politics
Brigid McLaughlin Barnett and friend – Students
‘This placard is about the racist, sexist and homophobic Donald Trump. If he could see my sign I’d want him to know I told him to Fuck Off.’
Kyam Sajid and Grace Almond – Students
‘This government has displayed a complete lack of will to platform young queer voices’
‘If you look at their history, this dodgy deal with the DUP is just another example of the Conservative party endangering our rights as LGBTI people.’
Saskia and Lily – LGBTI YouTubers
The YouTubers are looking forward to joining University in September. You can see their channel here.
Hatti Smart and Jack Burrows – National Student Pride co-chairs
‘If love happens here, it happens everywhere. It’s time countries who don’t let LGBTI people live freely changed their laws’
Caspar Grey and Maxime Pons – Students
‘Walking today is all about visibility, that’s why we are here’
Carolina Beppi and Tara Moussayi – Students
They walked for love
Jade Lavigne, Jess Sutherland and Oliver Retter – Students
AMEN.
Dan Parked and Ben Currie – Students
‘The first time I was at Pride I saw a group of christians who were apologising for any harm religion had caused. I was so happy to see them I cried. I grew up in a catholic family, but since I came out my mother has been my biggest supporter. She usually wears black to everything, but for Pride, she wears a rainbow.
‘That’s why I’m here at Pride, to show the world I’m happy and not ashamed.’
