London Pride: Sadiq Khan leads 32,000 marchers through capital
A large number of people came together in London on Saturday to take part in the Pride festivities, as a procession traveled from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.
The leader of the city, Sadiq Khan, led the parade with his spouse, Saadiya, along with Andrew Boff, a member of the London assembly from the Conservative party, and Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, an advocate for clean air.
Khan expressed his happiness that the LGBTQI+ communities and their supporters in London are coming together for the famous Pride festivities and solidarity march in the city center.
"Pride is always a special moment for me and I feel privileged to have participated in every parade since becoming mayor in 2016."
The festivities are put together by the non-profit Pride in London, with around 500 LGBTQ+ community organizations and businesses participating, totaling over 32,000 individuals.
The mayor stated: "This amazing event is a symbol of progress for LGBTQI+ rights and demonstrates why our city is a leader in being welcoming and inclusive - a place where you are accepted and honored for being authentic. The LGBTQI+ communities in our capital play a significant role in shaping life in London."
Even though progress has been made, there are still steps to take in order to reach full equality. As a supportive ally, I will remain by the side of the LGBTQI+ communities in our city as we strive to create a more inclusive London for everyone.
Prior to the event, Transport for London cautioned that there could be delays and some tube stations might be closed. Additionally, other parts of the city, such as Soho Square, Leicester Square, and Victoria Embankment Gardens, will have various activities taking place.
According to PA Media, eight people who are Christian went to the Pride parade to preach religious messages criticizing the march. They stood in a section that was separated by a fence next to where the parade was happening.
Many police officers were positioned around the demonstration on Piccadilly to stop any potential fights. The protesters were holding signs with messages like "Change your ways and follow Jesus" and "Don't be arrogant, because the Lord has warned that pride will lead to downfall".
A man in the crowd spoke to the parade using a microphone and was greeted with negative reactions from the people walking in the parade.
Members of the Queers for Palestine group marched down Piccadilly while chanting the phrase "there is no pride in genocide".
The large group of 50 people displayed signs calling out Israel for genocide and criticizing the strategy of "pinkwashing" - the idea that Israel promotes progressive views on LGBTQ rights as a way to enhance its global image.
When questioned about her reasons for wanting to become a part of the group, one woman participating in the march, who wished to remain anonymous, simply stated: "I support the cause of a liberated Palestine."
Tahir Kesai, a 50-year-old employed in real estate, expressed: "We chose to join the march because we believe it is crucial to be present. Our commitment to this issue is too strong for us not to take part."
