It is important not to lose sight of the underlying political reason behind why the Gay Pride event is so important. This year we celebrate 40 years since the foundation of the Gay Liberation Front in the UK (and with it, shortly afterwards, the very first Gay Pride in London).
Without these brave and vocal queens and dykes bringing the issues of discrimination, bigotry and inequality to the public eye, we would not have any of the "luxuries" which we take for granted today. No gay clubs, no gay pubs on the high street, and certainly none of the "rights" we now have in law (at last). There are still inequalities today (even in the fluffy world of coalitions and utopian idealistic government) and we still have a long way to go to change attitudes in society towards us.
These are the original demands set out by the GLF back in 1970. How many have we really achieved?
1) That all discrimination against gay people, male and female, by the law, by employers, and by society at large, should end.
2) That all people who feel attracted to a member of their own sex be taught that such feelings are perfectly normal.
3) That sex education in schools stop being exclusively heterosexual
4) That psychiatrists stop treating homosexuality as though it were a problem or sickness, thereby giving gay people senseless guilt complexes.
5) That gay people be as legally free to contact other gay people through newspaper ads, on the streets, and by any other means they may want, as are heterosexuals, and that police harassment should cease right now.
6) That employers should no longer be allowed to discriminate against anyone on account of their sexual preferences.
7) That the age of consent for gay males be reduced to the same as for straights.
8) That gay people be free to hold hands and kiss in public as are heterosexuals.
Gay Liberation Front at 40 - Pride London
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