Celebrating 'legal heroes'

On 27 June, the streets of London will once again be filled by the annual Pride parade and a whole range of associated fringe events.

The theme for the many floats and walking groups this year
is ‘heroes’. But with recent controversy over the ‘ban’ on UKIP participating in the parade and while gay and lesbian citizens of the UK enjoy what is effectively legal equality, is there a still a place for Pride, and if so, what should it look like?

The organisers of this year’s event have come under some unanticipated scrutiny and criticism on social media and
in the national press. For those unfamiliar thus far, it was decided by committee to deny UKIP’s application to join the Pride
in London parade. Somewhat confusingly, the reason given
was ‘to protect participants and ensure the event passes off safely and in the right spirit’.

It is not entirely clear, however, if it was the health and safety concern for UKIP members, other walkers, or the many volunteers and security personnel that line the streets that was at issue. Whatever the reason, the story quickly gained traction, no doubt assisted by the ever-ready UKIP PR machine.

Those with a short memory
will recall various comments associated with UKIP in the
run-up to last month’s general election. Nigel Farage’s inflammatory comments about immigrant HIV patients claiming expensive medicines during a televised debate, the resignation of the party’s LGBT chair
because it wasn’t ‘gay friendly’, and a manifesto that
supported religious views over discrimination on the grounds
of sexuality have been widely publicised.

So what? In the 21st century, Pride feels less like a protest and more like a celebration of all that has been achieved in gay and trans culture, politics, and law –
an Instagrammable feast of bright colours, daring costumes, and diversity in its truest sense. Long gone are the home-made protest placards. Instead, you
will see solidarity statements
for those suffering in less liberal countries.

Whether diversity should extend to political parties is not, in this sense, a legal issue (Pride now being a privately funded
and organised event, albeit with assistance from many public bodies), but does that mean it should go unquestioned?
Far from it, appears to be the response from all sides. Even the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added his views – that all should be allowed to participate – to the hundreds of opinions and comments already being shared via social media and online.

This was no doubt a difficult decision by organisers, but relying on inclusivity as one of the objections seems hypocritical. How this resolves itself ahead of the parade, if at all, is yet to be seen. But at a time when gay rights are entrenched in law,
any opportunity to engage with the wider community to change negative, outdated, or incorrect perceptions should be embraced, even if with caution.

Once again, the legal world will be joining the parade, possibly offering ADR en route. The profession will be celebrating and remembering ‘legal heroes’ who have made a positive personal or professional impact on the LGBT community. This is truly a celebration of
how far the profession has
come, even in a short time,
and all are welcome. SJ

Kevin Poulter is SJ's editor at large and a legal director at Bircham Dyson Bell

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