Brighton and Hove Pride: Greens to celebrate United Colours of Pride

 

Green float Pride Parade 2012
Updated pic: 2012 Green float at Brighton and Hove Pride parade with DJ Agent T and funk soul singer Matty Eeles 

Greens are pulling out all the stops this year to showcase their support for the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community in the city at Brighton and Hove Pride this Saturday, 1 September.

The Green Party’s traditional float will be decorated with a 7 metre rainbow flag and rainbow coloured biodegradable, air-filled balloons.

A local Funk soul diva, Matty Eeles, will be performing live on board singing music with an international flavour including funk, soul, jazz, and ska.

She will be joined by DJ Agent T, to rock the streets.

Greens will also be on hand to talk to festival-goers at their stall in Preston Park.

The Green Party presence on the parade will salute the international theme “United Colours of Pride’ to this year’s Brighton Pride. We will also have petitions on equal marriage and homophobic bullying in schools. Greens will be out in force with Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell; Green Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas; the South East’s Green Member of the European Parliament, Keith Taylor, and several of the Green City Councillors.

Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, Deputy Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said, “I welcome the return to an international theme and when we march next Saturday, we need to remember that courts in Moscow have just banned gay pride marches for the next 100 years; that an adviser to the US Republican presidential candidate has compared being gay to being a drug addict; and that only a few weeks ago a ‘gay hate day’ was held in Cameroon.

“The Green-led city council has been proud to help Pride in many ways and we’ve also granted £11,000 to help 18 community groups participate and showcase their work at the event.

“Prejudice is sadly still alive and well in the furthest reaches of the planet, and sadly in our city. But this is what makes the history of Pride in our city incredibly important.

“I’m proud of the rich history of Pride in Brighton and Hove: here’s to another 20 years. On behalf of the Green Party, can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and sustainable Pride.”

Green Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, added, “A very happy 20th birthday to Brighton and Hove Pride!

“With the festival gearing up to celebrate its anniversary in style with a fantastic “United Colours of Brighton’ theme, Pride 2012 looks set to be a great one.

“Over the past 20 years, this important tribute to the LGBT community has become a crucial part of our city’s cultural and political heritage and a powerful symbol of hope for those who still, tragically, do not enjoy the freedom to express their sexuality.

“I am very much looking forward to joining in the Pride festivities, proudly celebrating the richness and diversity of Brighton and Hove, and standing in solidarity with LGBT people here and across the world.”

 

Notes

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

 

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