Pride
LGBTQ+
London
Top tips for anyone going to their first ever London Pride this weekend
London Pride is officially back this weekend, and we can’t wait.After three years away amid the Covid pandemic, the annual LGBTQ+ celebration will return with a bang on Saturday.It all kicks off with a huge parade through the centre – accompanied by singing, comedy and poetry performances, drag brunches, film showings, and much more.More than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ travellers are expected to flock to the capital for the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UKWhile some regulars will be gearing up to return, other people will be preparing to attend their first-ever Pride.With this in mind, Pride in London has released some essential tips for first-timers.Everyone is welcomeQueer or not, you shouldn’t be worried that you don’t fit in at Pride; put that thought out of your head right away, says Haven Thorn, spokesperson for Pride in London.He said: ‘Pride is for everyone, and is a chance for you to celebrate not just your gender and sexuality, but always as yourself – and you’re perfect! ‘With that said, Pride attracts people from all walks of life, including sexualities and gender, so it’s crucial to keep an open-mind and be respectful when meeting new people or seeing new things.‘Pride is a judgement free-zone, spanning five decades of queer history, and kindness, acceptance, and mutual respect are of the utmost importance.’Remember what it’s all aboutPride is a great day for everyone involved – but it’s about much more than just having fun.‘While an aspect of Pride is about having loads of fun and coming together as a community, Pride also has a rich history behind it, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City and the first-ever protest here in the UK’, Haven says.He adds: ‘With a multitude of