Pride London 2007
Despite the poor weather and the worrying events of the previous day regarding failed terror attacks in London, Pride London took place with great success. Unfortunately, the focus of the media coverage of the march was completely drowned out by unfolding events in Glasgow and the BBC only managed to place six photographs of the event on their website; such a shame considering half a million people turned out on the streets to celebrate our diversity and overcome oppression in defiance of those potential threats. Nevertheless, the London Pride march was a resounding success as the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said in his formal opening address at Trafalgar Square.
This year saw the largest representation ever of Trans people in London Pride history. The line up included Press for Change, FTM London, Trans at Pride, Transfabulous, Spectrum Haringey, Gendered Intelligence and Bird Club as well as TransLondon. The numbers are thought to have been around one hundred taking part in the Trans walking group. With a true sense of unity, people switched between groups giving each other support during the march down to Whitehall.
It was an historic day for the TransLondon group to participate in the march and unfurl our beautiful banner for the first time, which was lovingly created by Lucas McKenna – Thank you for designing and making such a gorgeous piece of art, Lucas! The TransLondon group intends to participate in many more marches to come! Marching in Pride was also a first for many TransLondon members and it was heartening to see so many familiar faces lining up on Baker Street.The arranged meeting point for the Trans groups was at Segafredo’s café in Baker Street. Gradually the café filled with eager marchers and arrivals were greeted with a free breakfast courtesy of Trans at Pride and organised by the men of FTM London. Thank you for giving us sustenance to help us march.
The weather toyed with the marchers mercilessly. The forecast was for the rain to stop by 12.00pm but the rain came in fits and spurts and just as everyone waiting to set off thought the worst was over, the heavens opened. Still, our spirits weren’t dampened and the carnival atmosphere remained true and strong.
It was fantastic to see the streets lined with spectators who applauded everyone walking past. There were “middle Englanders” with their children smiling, waving and clapping. There were people just caught in the moment, taking time to stop and watch as people celebrated their diversity. There were people holding banners from former Eastern block countries demonstrating their desire to be accepted and respected in their own countries and be rid of the oppression they face on a daily basis.
Of course, there were the usual contingents of the Christian Alliance and BNP denouncing our right to exist, depicting us all as abominations and damning us to hell. One must wonder how they felt when their signs of hate were greeted with love, joy and kisses blown on the air. Apparently there weren't as many protesting as last year... Maybe they are getting the message that their views are outdated.
At Whitehall, the marchers dispersed and made their way to Trafalgar Square. Ken Livingstone formally opened the rally with a resounding speech calling for support for those LGBT people in other countries facing violence and oppression. The ever growing crowd was treated to a feast of music interspersed with political voices raising a clarion call for furtherance of LGBT rights in the UK as well as those facing oppression abroad.Saturday 30 June 2007 is certainly a day to remember. It was a day of unity for LGBT people. It was a day of defiance against those who would choose to oppress us through fear, intolerance and terror. Most of all, it was a day of celebrating our diversity. And for Trans people, it was a day where we didn’t have to join the march at the back of the line with the road sweepers ushering us forward; rather, we were there, prominently towards the front of the walking groups. Who knows – next year, the Trans groups might be at the very front!
A massive thank you to all those who participated in London Pride 2007, be you one of those who walked from Baker Street to Whitehall, or one standing along the route giving your support. We hope to see you there again next year in a march that will be bigger and even more representative of trans people!
After the march next year, the TransLondon group hopes to meet up at the back wall opposite the stage... See you there!
