Pride and protest

In a world where nationalism and intolerance are rising and governments pander to reactionary views, a million and a half people hit the streets of London on Saturday to celebrate tolerance and diversity and thumb their noses at bigotry. A UNISON delegation took part in the parade as London Pride cast a rainbow over the capital – marching (dancing) behind a samba band and welcomed by the enormous crowds at every stage along the route. Getting the banner ready on Portland Place   Members were present from the West Midlands and there was another group in the parade from Homerton Hospital UNISON branch, carrying a message that migrants make our NHS. Entirely unforecast rain made an effort to put in an appearance, but it wasn’t going to rain on our parade. Ready to samba all the way to Westminster   Bathing in the extraordinary warmth of good feeling, it’s easy to forget that Pride is not just a party, but a thumbed nose at bigotry and a protest too. This year is the 50thanniversary of the Stonewall riots. Police raids on gay bars were routine, but when the New York police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village on 28 June 1969, they got more than they bargained for. Details remain fuzzy, what is known is that playing a leading role in the charge against police brutality that night were Black and transgender people. Wow – look at the crowds on Regent Street!   Stonewall provided the kick start for the modern struggle for equal rights for LGBT+ people:...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News equalities equality LGBT Pride Source Type: news