LGBTQ+ Community

Pride in London takes over capital’s iconic landmarks Saturday 27th June

June 27, 2020

Pride in London 2020 takes over capital’s iconic landmarks with virtual parade and messages of LGBT+ allyship

Though the physical parade is postponed, Pride in London is taking over the capital virtually this weekend with messages of LGBT+ unity & allyship
Capital’s first ever virtual parade will see community groups ‘marching’ digitally across iconic London landmarks including Piccadilly Circus and the BT Tower
Separately, members of the Gay Liberation Front – organisers of London’s first Pride march in 1972 – will be walking the parade route as planned

Though its physical parade may be postponed, Pride in London – the UK’s largest Pride event – will still be taking over the capital on Saturday with a large-scale virtual parade and messages of LGBT+ solidarity.

As part of London’s first ever digital Pride parade, the community organisation is taking over some of the capital’s best-known landmarks, including Piccadilly Circus and the BT Tower, to broadcast the names and images of the hundreds of community groups that were set to march through the streets of London today.

The Piccadilly Lights – Europe’s largest outdoor digital display – have kindly been donated to Pride in London this year as one of the locations to host the virtual parade. Alongside thousands of participants from community groups, the ‘march’ will also include images of the volunteers who give up their time to make Pride in London happen each year. To make it accessible for all, the virtual parade will be streamed via Pride in London’s social media channels.

Pride in London has also teamed up with telecommunications giant BT to transform the iconic BT Tower into a beacon of LGBT+ solidarity, which will broadcast the names of the community groups as part of the virtual parade. Towering at 189 metres high, the BT Tower will amplify the spirit of Pride across London’s skyline, making these messages of unity visible for miles around.

Both landmarks will also feature special digital banners displaying Pride in London’s 2020 campaign You!Me!Us!We!, which highlights the crucial need for allyship between LGBT+ groups – particularly with attacks on Black, trans and non-binary communities on the rise. The goal is to inspire 30,000 ‘acts of allyship’ – one for each person who would have marched in the physical parade. Examples of acts that will make a difference to marginalised groups include, for example, donating to Pride in London’s new Unity Fund for grassroots groups or attending a virtual event created by queer artists. A new digital hub has also been created, providing resources and ideas to get involved.

Alongside Pride in London’s activity, members of the GLF (Gay Liberation Front) – who organised the first ever Pride march in the capital in 1972 – will be walking the parade route as planned. Additionally, organisers from London Trans+ Pride and London BLM are coordinating a peaceful ‘Black Trans Lives Matter’ protest on Saturday, which will be marching from Wellington Arch to Downing Street.

Alison Camps, Co-Chair of Pride in London, said: “We know how tough this year has been for our communities, which is why it’s so important that Pride celebrations and protests continue to take place this weekend – albeit in a slightly different way. By taking over some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks with our virtual parade and messages of hope and solidarity, we’re hoping to be a light in the darkness and act as a beacon to bring our communities together again.

“It’s also essential we acknowledge that things aren’t getting better for many of our communities. We see the continued struggles of our Black, trans and non-binary siblings, who are having to fight daily against injustice to access the same hard-won rights that others have. We are with them. Our hearts also go out to the families and friends of the gay men who were killed in the senseless attack in Reading last weekend. Our queer history reminds us that in moments of crisis, LGBT+ people have to stand in solidarity with one another – because we’re stronger together.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Leading the Pride in London march for the past four years has been a highlight of my time as Mayor, so, like so many others, I am bitterly disappointed that we are not able to join with LGBTQ+ friends, allies and Londoners of all backgrounds for the annual parade.

“The events of this year – from the coronavirus pandemic to global protests against racial injustice – have reminded us all how much we need one another, and the solidarity that Pride offers is more important than ever. That’s why I’m so pleased that we are able to join together online in support and celebration at this difficult time, and show the world that although we are apart, we are still together.”