Pride marches and events across the globe may be called off for social distancing, but we should still celebrate it however we can. Here, we ask prominent members of our community what Pride means to them

Words Markus Bidaux

Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century polymath wrote, “All of man’s unhappiness comes from his inability to stay alone in his room.” These words have never rung so true for most of us as they have during lockdown. We’re bursting for a bit of adventure, but yearning for human contact even more. Community matters, and as Pride season approaches, our desire to get out and be surrounded by our own rainbow communities will only grow

Each and every Pride, whether large or small, is equally important, so with most Pride marches and events across the globe called off due to COVID-19, we will find a way to celebrate and we will still be seen and heard. Next issue, we hope to share with you news of the digital Prides being broadcast from across the planet, but for now let’s focus on reminding ourselves why we love Pride.

Jim MacSweeney

OWNER OF GAY’S THE WORD, LONDON’S ONLY LGBTQ BOOKSTORE

TAKE IT AS READ: Jim at Gay’s the Word bookshop

Where was your first Pride?

London, in 1984, it was tremendous and had a huge impact on me. That feeling of being visible, marching on the streets with friends and loved ones, holding hands, claiming your space - it was both joyous and empowering.

What was the atmosphere like at 1980s Prides?

There was a lot more politics, a lot more to fight against. The 1980s were the era of Thatcher, Aids, Clause 28, the raid on Gay’s the Word, the miners’ strike, and so on. Although thousands marched, there were no barriers and you could drop in and out as you pleased, seeing friends and catching up, chant a few slogans and blow some whistles. There was no corporate presence, and marches normally ended up in Jubilee Gardens, Kensington Park or Brockwell Park.