FOURSIGHT
Party or protest?
Half a century on, what does Pride mean today?
Nick Charles (he/him) DJ and presenter
In recent times in our community, we’ve seen, heard, and even said that we’re constantly under attack. It’s quite disheartening sometimes to open a news or social media app and see the constant barrage of hate. However, our community will always stand tall against any kind of discrimination. Ever since that first Pride march in 1970, we’ve always been resilient, and continue to fight the good fight! Pride means different things to different people. To you, Pride may mean feeling a sense of selfworth or confidence. Pride can be a positive emotion that can help you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. Pride might be the queer spaces you attend such as Sonic Yootha in Liverpool or Homoelectric in Manchester or your local pub that is a proud ally. Pride will forever be a protest — it has to be. There is only one reason for that: until we’re all equal, we will never be equal. Although that is a cliché, it speaks volumes. Life is already a rollercoaster; why would you want to make it any less enjoyable? Until that bright, lovely day where we all can walk around in love and light, Pride will always be a protest.