Pride Month 2021
June is recognised as Pride month due to the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which were a key turning point for the LGBTQ+ community and where it stands today.
A year after these events saw the first organised march – back then named Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day – which was attended by nearly 15,000 people, which since has blossomed into the Pride marches and events we recognise today.
Brighton saw its first Pride March in 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front following a demonstration they arranged the year before. The march was small, but it made an impact. Pride didn’t come back until 1991, returning to object the government passing laws to ban the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality.
It again started small, with events around town and ending in a Pink Picnic in Preston Park. From here it grew, gaining Charitable status in 2004, meaning the festival could start making donations to other charitable organisations in the area. As the scale of the event grew, so did the fundraising, ever-growing into the Brighton Pride event we recognise today.
Read more about Brighton Pride on our ICTheatre Blog HERE
Manchester’s first Pride event was held in 1985 with support from new Labour party councillors who had recently been elected. In two years this event grew so that in 1986 the City Council provided £1700 towards the event.
The local bars that took part worked together to raise money for local AIDS organisations with the support of the gay community, and it was with this fundraising in mind that the events kept growing and an official charity was born.
Today that charity still works endlessly to not only provide an incredible event for the LGBTQ+ community but to also raise money and awareness for issues the community still faces. They also provide grants and bursaries to various organisations in Manchester that are working for the cause.
Read more about Manchester Pride on our ICTheatre Blog HERE
Whether you’re discovering how you identify, or you’re learning how to be a better ally to your LGBTQIA+ friends, the ICTheatre family encourages acceptance and inclusivity within its walls. Manchester and Brighton are both wonderful cities to do so in. ICTheatre has student support mentors on hand if you ever need someone to talk to, and a friendly ear is never far away.
