Liverpool Pride

August 31, 2016

This year thousands marched on the Pride March in Liverpool.

The Rainbow flag above St George’s Hall, Liverpool Pride 2016

I remember going to Gay bars, pubs and clubs in Liverpool in the 1970s. In particular I remember ‘The Bears Paw’, ‘Sadies’ bar & ‘Paco’s bar. At weekends they were crowded out and would stay open until 4am. In those days you could go out for a fiver and still have change left at the end of the evening! They were wild times but attitudes to the LGBT community were entirely different from today. You could walk out of a club and be arrested by the police. Although by then it wasn’t illegal to be gay police harassment was high and people lost their jobs because of their sexuality. It was very moving to attend the march because I remembered what Liverpool (and the rest of the country) was like decades ago. I could hardly believe my eyes as we marched past hundred of cheering and waving scousers. It was a brilliant day. Times have changed but we still have to be on our guard against different kinds of hate such as Racism, Islamaphobia and Homophobia.

Liverpool Pride 2016

Liverpool Pride is an entirely volunteer-led charity seeking to combat homophobia and transphobia across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

Liverpool Pride 2016

Liverpool Pride, is one of the Liverpool’s most popular events. Established in 2010, Liverpool Pride returned this year for its seventh consecutive year and continues to be one of the city’s most visual and flamboyant events of the summer. The date always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. The festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. The theme for 2016 was Liverpool Icons, and festival goers were encouraged to go along dressed in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme.