In the aftermath of the problems that afflicted London's
World Pride earlier this month, community groups and LGBT trade unionists have
confirmed their support for a national Pride to be held in central London, an
event that is free and accessible to all, and a celebration as well as a demand
for equality.
Ninety representatives of London LGBT community groups
and LGBT union representatives met at the TUC's central London headquarters
last night (Monday) to debate the future of Pride London after the last minute
and drastic restrictions imposed on the World Pride event.
The meeting agreed a set of principles that should apply
to future Prides:
* it should be free to all participants
* it must be fully inclusive of all sections of the LGBT
community
* it should be a celebration, but retain its political
cutting edge and campaign for LGBT equality and liberation nationally and internationally
* it must be led by the LGBT communities themselves, not
have its shape or content determined by commercial sponsors or public bodies.
A smaller meeting open to a representative of every LGBT
community group and union that wishes to participate will take place in early
September to allow more discussion on the principles, which will then be fed
into the AGM of Pride London.
TUC LGBT officer Peter Purton said: "There was anger
at the way Pride had been treated, and after debate it was clear that although
differences remain, we have much common ground about the way forward.
"The TUC is delighted to have been able to
facilitate this meeting and to help develop a way forward for future
Prides."
