ED&I - PRIDE 2025

As we work our way up to Nottingham Pride, dust off the banners and raise the rainbow flags, some people may be asking - why? Why do we still need Pride? 

I have myself been directly asked – “you can marry now, what’s the problem?” Well, things are certainly better than they used to be. Working in law as a gay man, I have thankfully managed to avoid most problems. I have worked with, and for, LGBTQIA+ individuals and not been discriminated against. It is, however, important to remember that visibility is not the same as equality or equity, and progress can be reversed. It takes work to stop that from happening. 

The tide of progress seems to have more opposition now than it has for decades. The recent Supreme Court judgment has highlighted the vulnerability and gaps in legislation protecting members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It has also created space for some public figures, including politicians, to openly speak out against same sex marriage as well as trans-rights. The noise is increasing markedly. 

This trickledown effect means that there has been a rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK. A similar rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ feeling and restrictions of rights are being seen across the world, emphasising the increased importance of, and need for, Pride events to show support for those members of the community feeling vulnerable and persecuted. 

Whilst Pride may draw attention for its colour, rainbows, glitter, music and joy, it must be remembered that Pride is a protest. Since the Stonewall riots in 1969, Pride has been there to remind the world of the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people face and the kinds of persecution and threats some may experience both at home and abroad. 

So, if the question ‘do you still need Pride?’ arises, perhaps consider that until colleagues, friends and family can live in peace, hold hands in public with the person they love and not live in fear - we still need Pride. 

If you are in Nottingham on Saturday 26th July this year, please come celebrate with us; come march with us and let’s move forward together with Pride.

Elliot Bedwell-Mintz

ED& I Committee Co-Chair