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London Pride: Too Much of a Gay Ol' Time?

Activist condemns parade for choosing fun over politics

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 4, 2009 5:45 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Forty years after the Stonewall riots touched off the gay liberation movement, London’s gay community is debating whether to celebrate or get political, the Guardian reports. One activist blasted organizers of today’s Pride London parade—themed “Come and Play”—for “depoliticizing” the event, and accused the broader LGBT community of “huge apathy and complacency.”

“To ignore and downplay this important anniversary is an insult to the veterans who began our momentous fight for freedom,” he protests. But one organizer defends the emphasis on mirth over politics. “If you want to campaign, you have to have an audience, so you need to make it fun,” he says, promising the inclusion of “important but boring” speeches.

British musician Boy George sings on a stage after an annual gay parade organized by Pride London, Saturday, July 4, 2009.
British musician Boy George sings on a stage after an annual gay parade organized by Pride London, Saturday, July 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
A police officer and a reveler are seen during the Gay Pride Parade in London, Saturday June 30, 2007.
A police officer and a reveler are seen during the Gay Pride Parade in London, Saturday June 30, 2007.   (AP Photo/Fiona Hanson/PA)
People take part in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London on July 4, 2009 in London.
People take part in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London on July 4, 2009 in London.   (Getty Images)
People take part in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London on July 4, 2009 in London.
People take part in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London on July 4, 2009 in London.   (Getty Images)
Men dance on a float during the march for Gay Pride on July 2, 2005 in London.
Men dance on a float during the march for Gay Pride on July 2, 2005 in London.   (Getty Images)
A man marches during the rally for Gay Pride on July 2, 2005 in London.
A man marches during the rally for Gay Pride on July 2, 2005 in London.   (Getty Images)
Sarah Brown, the wife of Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown joins the march during the annual gay parade organized by Pride London.
Sarah Brown, the wife of Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown joins the march during the annual gay parade organized by Pride London.   (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Jul 5, 2009 12:26 PM CDT
maybe he is referring to jerks like Perez Hilton....Doogie howser is gay, but is just a regular person, and quite cool...maybe it's the really "out there" ones he is referring to...just an idea :)
kyleleitch
Jul 5, 2009 12:02 PM CDT
@Sauerkraut, please define what you mean by 'idiot' and 'grow up.' As a gay man, pride week is important to me because it lets the world remember that there are gay people there instead of just forgetting about them. While I feel that there should be some amount of politicizing that goes on around pride, I also feel like it shouldn't just be wholly political, but should be fun too!
riffran
Jul 5, 2009 12:01 PM CDT
boy george just plain creeps me out...great vocal talent, but yikes

Prime Minister's wife joins parade
The London Paper

 
London • Stonewall Rebellion • Gay Pride Week • gay activists

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