Back in the 1980s, Pride marches gave us a sense of belonging to a community - not a feeling we were used to then. 52 weeks of the year most of us hid our true selves to prevent persecution, discrimination and hatred. 51 weekends of the year we found release in the dingy upstairs rooms and basements of pubs in back streets and alleys, dancing to hi-energy beats and slow, sexy ballads. But on one weekend each summer we dressed in our best and took to the streets to protest and party! We could show ourselves in all our glory and diversity to the world. We could walk together, show our love for each other, tell the world that we matter, that we’re here, that we’re not going away! We would stand together against the haters who came to ogle and berate us. We would stand together against those seeking to harm us. And we would party!!!
These are my images from a London Gay Pride March circa 1987. They capture the joy, the party and the politics of a gay march. Groups carrying banners and posters, protesting against the government or offering their support to our community. A car driver deliberately ignoring the marchers, trying to force his way through only to be stopped by a brave protester. Policemen and women present but disinterested and disengaged, perhaps feeling their role is to protect the passer-by’s not the marchers! Life was different then, Pride had to be political, Pride was the only light shining in our hidden world.
These are my images from a London Gay Pride March circa 1987. They capture the joy, the party and the politics of a gay march. Groups carrying banners and posters, protesting against the government or offering their support to our community. A car driver deliberately ignoring the marchers, trying to force his way through only to be stopped by a brave protester. Policemen and women present but disinterested and disengaged, perhaps feeling their role is to protect the passer-by’s not the marchers! Life was different then, Pride had to be political, Pride was the only light shining in our hidden world.
