Content warning: Discusses Covid-19, human rights, LGBT rights, BLM, suicide and self harm and homelessness

If you need any help and support regarding any of this issues discussed or anything else a list of organisations is provided at the bottom of the page. I am also available for contact too on my social media and via this page (although I don’t check this as often).

Pride this year might be very different for a lot of people. With the current pandemic, many people are required to stay at home and unfortunately some have been directly affected by the virus itself. The queer community have been hit more than average with many queer people relying incomes such as performance, music and sex work; areas obviously inaccessible during lockdown and the wider pandemic. Some people are also forced to live at home with unaccepting family and others are unable to access support services that would normally be available to them. For example, LGBTQ+ people are much more likely on average to commit acts of self harm or have suicidal thoughts. Homelessness is more prevalent amongst LGBTQ+ people particularly young people and this is obviously a very difficult situation when trying to social distance and isolate. For these reasons, I think Covid-19 at least serves to highlight the injustice and discrimination LGBTQ+ people still face as well as its obvious immediate effects. On a more positive note, 2020 marks 50 years since the formation of the Gay Liberation Front. A political movement founded after stonewall that acted as a catalyst for modern LGBTQ+ activism in the UK, USA and around the world. Closer to my home, it’s 30 years since the first Brighton pride which formed by years of protests by Brighton Area Action against the controversial Section 28. In my opinion, pride 2020 should serve as a time to reflect upon these achievements and injustices of the past and use this to channel the activism and protest that should lead to the support for the marginalised most oppressed communities of today.

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My advice for pride 2020

Pride was a protest not a party. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of unofficial events hosted in the name of pride recently most of which don’t actually support LGBTQ+ people. I would ask people to please:

• Remember the real reasons for pride this year even in the difficult circumstances.
• Remember to stay safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible.
• Try not to attend cishet run pride events that don’t support queer people or the queer community/organisations.

What can I do to help?

• Please donate to LGBTQ+ organisations and sign petitions where possible like the ones listed in this carrd.
• Also remember to support our BAME and trans/non-binary siblings as they are some of the most discriminated and marginalised communities in the U.K. and worldwide . Again, remember to support organisations that aid BLM and those that protect and advance trans rights.
• Educate yourself around LGBTQ+ and BLM issues and oppression.

Stay safe and happy pride 2020!

Help and support organisations: