Things are far from perfect
This summer 4000 people joined in the celebrations of Norwich Pride, including a parade and a picnic in Chapelfield Gardens. But behind the carnival feel there’s a serious message: publicising the fight against homophobia and transphobia.
Norwich Pride is organised by a collective of enthusiastic volunteers and was formed in late 2008. After the success of the first event many more people wanted to get involved. It takes place in the centre of the city for maximum visibility and is based around the Forum and Chapelfield Gardens. The former is full of stalls and houses a series of lectures and debates. The latter is the site of a relaxed picnic. There is live entertainment at both venues and the key event of the day is always the bright, colourful and vibrant parade which takes the crowd from the Gardens, through the centre of the bustling city and finishes outside the Forum.
Norwich Pride is a real community event. It celebrates the talents of local people and encourages everyone to get involved. People remark on how friendly and family oriented our Pride is. Norwich Pride also has a strong political edge with a vibrant campaigns team hosting the lectures and debates to give the day real purpose and momentum.
No one would doubt that life is much better for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) people now than it was at the time of the first ever Pride and the Stonewall Riots. We have made huge advances in that time and fought off the savage attacks of the 1980s in particular with repeal of Section 28 and the recent creation of civil partnerships. However, things are still far from perfect and there is much left to be won. Homophobic and Transphobic attacks went up in 2009, a trend which culminated in the murder of Ian Baynham near Trafalgar Square in London. Nick Griffin was allowed to say that he found gay men kissing “creepy” on the BBC. There is a 1% conviction rate for reported homophobic attacks which suggests institutional homophobia in the Justice System. There is still no out gay Professional Footballer and over 95% of our young people have heard homophobic comments in our schools. Pride events are crucial in highlighting these issues and making our streets a safe place for LGBT people.
Norwich Pride 2011 will be on Saturday 30th July. If you would like to be involved in the Pride Collective please contact us via our website www.norwichpride.org.uk
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