Fifty Years of Queer Revolt.

I found myself stood in front of the Stonewall Inn. It’s glorious in New York City. The sun is shining and the crowds are swelling, all queueing to get a selfie with its iconic sign – red and neon. This bar has rightly become a beacon in the queer community, because of what started on this hallowed ground fifty years ago.

In the same way as those with faith might make a pilgrimage to Mecca or to Jerusalem, I’ve come to my community’s holy site to remember those who have come before me and fought for LGBT+ liberation, to celebrate the precious rights we now have in countries around the world, and to look forward at all the fights we have yet to win.

I’m emotional looking at this frontage, at all the queer people stood in front smiling and laughing. The Stonewall Uprising was a major catalyst in the liberation of our community and we have to thank trans people of colour for leading the fight that day.

For the moment, New York City is different. For the first time in my life, it feels as if queer people are the majority, not only in the city’s LGBT+ districts, but across its five boroughs. Rainbows are adorned, streets are filled with love and the energy is palpable. It feels like home.

And all too soon, I’m headed back to London.

I find myself in a shared office on the Southbank arranging those last minute preparations for our Pride that crop up every year. Here, in the relative perceived safety of liberal Britain, we have much to fight for. This year, Pride in London celebrates Pride Jubilee and reflects on the fifty years since Stonewall, with focus on the UK’s journey since then.

But Pride isn’t a celebration in itself. The liberation we have so far enjoyed isn’t sacrosanct, and many LGBT+ people in the UK and around the world still have a daily battle for their identity. With the rise of populism, I’m worried more than ever that our rights will be challenged and taken away.

When trans people face unfounded opposition to their very identity, we must fight.

When non-binary people have their identity undocumented, we must fight.

When parents are removing their children from inclusive relationship education, we must fight.

When politicians are stating that they hope science will cure homosexuality, we must fight.

When the Gender Recognition Act is being reformed, we must fight.

When those in Northern Ireland don’t have equal marriage, we must fight.

So whilst the journey over the past half-century has been groundbreaking for queer liberation, there is much to stand up for. I hope that you’ll join me, and the thousands of others taking to the streets of London tomorrow, to demand full equality, to gain full liberation and to fight for our rights.

Happy Pride.