Pride Month

June is Pride month - and this one's EXTRA special as it celebrates 50 years.

Pride is about allowing everyone to feel proud of who they are no matter who they love...of bright, colourful pride in being!

This year's parade will take place on Saturday July 2nd, read on for more details.

Taking place over the month of June (and July), Pride began in honour of the Stonewall riots that took place in the US in 1969. The riots resulted in a change of law for gay people across America, and helped the fight for gay rights worldwide.

The riots were sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a bar from which officers manhandled people onto the street. A week of rioting and protests by the gay community ensued - resulting from a build up of continual harassment and ill treatment from the authorities.

The first openly gay march took place in America a month after the riots, and the first Pride festival was held in 1972. Now more than a million people celebrate the event each June in London alone! 

A special rainbow 50p piece by East London artist Dominique Holmes and LGBTQ+ activist has been commissioned by the royal mint to celebrate 50 years of the pride movement in Britain. 

Parade

Join in the fun in celebration of acceptance and equality. The parade this year will take place on Saturday July 2nd, beginning in Hyde Park.

There are lots of events scheduled over June and July, many in central London and around Soho - famously host to lots of wonderful bars and clubs frequented by the LGBTQ+ community.

We recommend checking out Timeout's Pride in London ultimate guide to events such as The Glory Weekend 

LGBTQ+ East-end venue The Glory's mini festival on the Southbank from June 15th-17th will feature performances, workshops and events hosted by drag queens Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, and promises to be glorious fun! Find more details here

And don't forget to wear bright comfortable footwear! We've got you covered with Holler, Karl et al!