News / Bristol Pride
Political parties barred from this year’s Bristol Pride march
Bristol Pride organisers have barred political parties from attending the march this year over concerns about their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Pride organisers said political parties would not be allowed a stall at the event, or be able to attend the march until more was done to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community.
Organisers acknowledged the work that had already been done locally but said that party leaders and MPs were “undermining” this work.
is needed now More than ever
Political Parties at Pride pic.twitter.com/qWcDEoWtgN
— Bristol Pride (@BristolPride) July 4, 2023
“You may notice that no political parties will be present at Bristol Pride this year,” a spokesperson said.
“We have decided to not allow any political parties to have a stall, or walk with us as organisations in the march until more is done to stand up for our entire community, ensuring that LGBT+ rights are embedded into policy, and that none of our community is left behind.
“We recognise that parties have many members and managing all voices and opinions is difficult.
“However leadership and party line comes from the top and not enough is currently being done to support our community and to lead by example in tackling prejudice and hatred.”
“We also recognise and value the good work being done in the city to support the LGBT+ community, including the passing of a cross party motion to recognise trans rights as human rights.
“But all great work done locally is undermined by the actions of party leaders and MPs who are unwilling or able to to stand up for their LGBT+ constituents and being drawn into bad faith rhetoric, particularly about the rights of trans people.
“Our hope is that by 2024 there will be that true allyship from MPs and party leadership.
“As an organisation, we’re happy to help by being a conduit for conversation, engage in feedback, and help further LGBT+ rights, supporting parties in tackling and educating party members on issues that impact our community.
“Now more than ever we need political parties to stand up for our community when it counts and to do so for all year round, not just Pride.”
The announcement comes after police were called to Castle Park on Sunday afternoon in response to reports of “gel pellets being fired” towards an annual Trans Pride Picnic.
Main photo: Bristol Labour Group
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