Today, myself and a number of Green Party members joined hundreds of people marching to support Southampton Pride.
The annual march reminds queer people and allies alike that the need to fight for rights is not won and sends a message to those who aren’t or don’t want to be aware, that LQBTQIA+ people are part of their community and still need support.
After a year of increasing hate towards LQBTQIA+ people, the Supreme Court turning its back on trans+ people and the current government cementing it’s distain for any people who don’t match their own image, Southampton Pride 2025 is one of the most important in a while.
Pride is political, but not to rainbow wash or use partying as a marketing tool – it is a much needed and valuable way to say to all people in government and opposition that LGBTQIA+ people are valuable members of society and deserve the rights that all humans do – respect, dignity, protection from harm and inclusion in community and seats of power.
A huge thanks to all the team at Southampton Pride, Trans Pride Southampton and all the incredible volunteers and marchers who came out today and created a fabulous and powerful first day of Southampton Pride.
In solidarity,
Lori Foster
Southampton Green Party Member