London Pride Considered A Success

Attendees and insiders say yesterday's London Pride can be considered a success despite the parade's reduced length and financial problems that caused the cancellation of some major events. Pink News reports:

Angela Mason, former director of Stonewall and one of the 1972 veterans, told PinkNews.co.uk: “Well, I think we’ve got it together again, despite all the obstacles. That’s always been the history of Pride. “Pride really depends on the commitment and anger of our lesbian and gay community. Politicians sometimes court us and sometimes don’t, but we’re going to carry on anyway. I think that’s very much the spirit of the original Pride, it shows we’re not dependant on political bureaucracies.” Peter Tatchell was marching among veterans under the banner ‘Decriminalise homosexuality worldwide. Global LGBT equality.’ On the parade route today, he told PinkNews.co.uk: “Despite the failures of the parade organisers, the Mayor of London and Westminster City Council, we’re here and having a fabulous WorldPride.

After Pride London failed to gain the licensing necessary for street closures in Soho, concerns were expressed about crowd safety. Thankfully, no major incidents appear to have occurred.