On Saturday 2 July, a group representing London South East Colleges walked the 1.3-mile route of the Pride in London Parade - starting at Hyde Park Corner to Piccadilly Circus Station, along Haymarket before finishing at Whitehall Place.
The campaign theme for 2022 was ‘#AllOurPride’ which was created to unifying the last five decades of powerful LGBT+ moments, celebrations, and community events in London - it was amazing to be a part of such a core focus of the event.
Leah Stone, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and LGBTQ+ Staff Champion at London South East Colleges, said, “After two long years of absence due to COVID-19, this year’s Pride in London was a welcomed and wonderful return. With seemingly so much negativity circulating the world at the moment, it was great to be a part of such a happy and joyous occasion, being able to celebrate our diversity, our identities. We want to empower our staff and students to continue increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness, and to demonstrate that we're a safe and inclusive employer and college for all of members of the LGBTQ+ Community."
The 50th anniversary marks the original march on 1 July 1972 where 700 activists paraded through London’s confused crowds kissing each other - an act forbidden by law at the time between men.
Participation in the parade gives the opportunity for expression of celebration, joy and triumph but also the voice to rightly express the continued fight for injustices and inequalities. This event brings together thousands of people of all genders, ethnicities, sexualities, and many people of different races – we are so proud to be a part of such a powerful and significant event.
We look forward to next year’s parade and have already started planning. If you would like to be involved in the next Pride in London Parade, please get in touch with