On 29th June 2024, staff, volunteers, friends and family of Together and not forgetting Tobi our doggie mascot, joined the London 2024 Pride Parade. This was an opportunity for us to show our solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community.
It was an amazing day, the sun was shining, the whistles were blowing, the music was blearing and everyone was having an incredible time. We proudly walked alongside so many other wonderful organisations and groups from The Terrance Higgins Trust to the Queer Refugees Unite. It was a colourful array of magical people.
But we must not forget the real reason for London Pride – The Stonewall riots were important protests that took place in 1969 in the US, that changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and around the world.
Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there’s still work to be done. Read on to see photos from the day and reflections from some of the other people who took part.
I’ve been to Pride as a spectator, but never in the actual parade itself. It really is an incredible experience. I was immediately hit by the brightly coloured rainbow flags and the music playing from the many speakers all around us; pockets of parties that everyone was invited too.
The handful of protestors reminded us why we were there and why it is so important to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Their drowned out protests only made the joy and beauty all the more bright as we marched on, unified by our celebration of diversity, and fight for equal rights.
I had the incredible privilege of joining the Pride in London Parade 2024, and it was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Whether you were part of an LGBTQI+ community, or a proud ally, everyone marched “Together”. We were more than participants; we were a collective force for change. The streets were filled with cheers and applause! The energy intensified when attendees would notice Tobi! Our Together Pride mascot. Families, friends, and strangers lined the route, celebrating love, resilience, and authenticity.
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