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In the aftermath of the problems that afflicted London's World Pride earlier this month, community groups and LGBT trade unionists have confirmed their support for a national Pride to be held in central London, an event that is free and accessible to all, and a celebration as well as a demand for equality.
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date: 17 July 2012

embargo: for immediate release

In the aftermath of the problems that afflicted London's World Pride earlier this month, community groups and LGBT trade unionists have confirmed their support for a national Pride to be held in central London, an event that is free and accessible to all, and a celebration as well as a demand for equality.

Ninety representatives of London LGBT community groups and LGBT union representatives met at the TUC's central London headquarters last night (Monday) to debate the future of Pride London after the last minute and drastic restrictions imposed on the World Pride event.

The meeting agreed a set of principles that should apply to future Prides:

  • it should be free to all participants
  • it must be fully inclusive of all sections of the LGBT community
  • it should be a celebration, but retain its political cutting edge and campaign for LGBT equality and liberation nationally and internationally
  • it must be led by the LGBT communities themselves, not have its shape or content determined by commercial sponsors or public bodies.

A smaller meeting open to a representative of every LGBT community group and union that wishes to participate will take place in early September to allow more discussion on the principles, which will then be fed into the AGM of Pride London.

TUC LGBT officer Peter Purton said: 'There was anger at the way Pride had been treated, and after debate it was clear that although differences remain, we have much common ground about the way forward.

'The TUC is delighted to have been able to facilitate this meeting and to help develop a way forward for future Prides.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

- Congress 2012 will be held at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 9 September to Wednesday 12 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Wednesday 29 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Brighton and will cost £50. Please note that the Brighton Centre requires 60 days' notice for telephone line facilities. Details available on the link above.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk

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