Why Pride is a Celebration and a Protest

When I march at Pride, I think of all the hate I get just for being an outspoken Black Bisexual Woman. I think of the many voiceless LGBT+ individuals, and I stand tall, head high, and celebrate all that I am, hoping that one day, we all will be truly free from such hate, prejudice, and deadly bigotry.

When I march at Pride-

  1. I celebrate that I now live in a country where I am not criminalised, face imprisonment, or fear being executed for my sexual orientation or gender identity. I protest because I want this for everyone. In 34 out of 59 Commonwealth countries, same-sex relationships are still criminalised through Sodomy Laws, a legacy from the British colonial era.
  2. I celebrate that I can join Pride march and partake in Pride celebrations without fear of being harassed, tackled, tear-gassed, or shot by police officers. I protest because I want this for everyone.
  3. I celebrate that I live in a society with an Equality Act that recognises sexual and gender identity as valid and protected. I protest because I want this for everyone.
  4. I celebrate that I can expect not to be discriminated against for my sexual orientation at work, when looking for housing, or accessing healthcare. If I am discriminated against, I have the right to seek redress in the justice system and expect a fair outcome. I protest because I want this for everyone.
  5. I celebrate to honour the hard-earned victories our heroes fought for. I protest because these rights are systematically being eroded, especially Trans rights. I do not want this for anyone, especially my Trans siblings.

While we celebrate the rights we’ve won, we protest for the rights of everyone, regardless of geographical location, religion, or class. In celebrating Pride, we celebrate our victories, our diversity, our same-sex love, queer relationships, and identities, while also remembering and empowering our LGBT+ families who do not have such privileges. We celebrate the tenacity of our persecuted LGBT+ families. We can’t be truly free until we are all free.

We will continue to celebrate because we can. Don’t ask us why; just join us, be happy for us and fight for our rights. LGBT+ Rights are Human Rights.

Also, we celebrate because we are fabulous like that, and we know how to throw colourful and magnificent street parties! Happy Pride!

 

UK Black Pride 2018: Shades of the Diaspora

UK Black pride 2018 was held on Sunday July 8 at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, London. It was indeed a celebration of black LGBT1Q . The theme was Shades Of The Diaspora. I was there to celebrate all that is black and beautiful with my black LGBTIQ community and our allies. It was a protest and a party.

Hello from UK Black Pride, the party is rocking!

The party rocked! The vibrant, energetic performers on stage and the beautiful roaring crowd reminded me of what it is to be Black, Bold, Beautiful and Proud. Partying with my Black Lgbtiq community, I definitely felt like I belonged there.

Special thanks to the organisers for persistently organising UK Black pride despite all the negativity from these who seek to subjugate our spirit and never really make us feel belonged or truly included in the mainstream lgbt community. Also, a big shout out to all the volunteers and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring us a fun, successful, UK Black Pride. Solidarity forever.

It was indeed the largest UK Black Pride ever. The crowd was huge from every corner and angle. So many beautiful people and a rich diversity of cultures. The talents on stage were great, the crowd was energetic and made me realised i need to brush up on my dance steps. So much twerking from all genders that I was reminded twerking is a black thing , and will always be.

Kudos to the organisers for another successful UK Black Pride. I am already looking forward to an even bigger, colourful UK Black Pride and a more inclusive Pride every corner of the globe.

To voiceless LGBTIQs who cannot afford to hold or attend a Pride, I say Stand Tall, you are not forgotten. Rainbow will always shine through the clouds. Stay positive and live your truth in pride. Love, always.

Enjoy the pics and videos from my lens!

Always a pleasure to reunite with friends at this wonderful event.

I finally managed to sit my tired ass down. It was nice just sitting down watching the performers and the beautiful crowd do their thing. A day well spent refuelling and connecting with every side of my personal and political self.

Calling it a day! Bye for now, see ya all next year.

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