'We're going nowhere' - LGBTQ+ community come together for Sunderland Pride
Sunderland’s streets were filled with colour on Saturday as the city’s Pride event took place.
Pride returned to its protest roots in Sunderland on Saturday, June 27 as the city’s annual LGBTQ+ event returned with a parade before a series of speeches and performances.
The day marked the first march in the city since the Pride flag was removed from City Hall just days before Pride Month.
Starting at midday from Park Lane, the march was started by the head of Out North East, Peter Durrant, one of the key faces behind the event, and Lord Michael Cashman, founder of Stonewall UK.
Ahead of the march, Lord Cashman said: “40 odd years ago we came onto the streets to demand the simple thing of equality. The same rights as anybody else - the same rights and the same obligations.
“I’m proud to stand with you today as we march and we remember thousands of generations who marched before us so we can achieve equality. Remember our friends, remember those who stand with us and never forget those who stand against us.”
Following the march, which continued from Park Lane through Blandford Street, Market Square and High Street West, Lord Cashman was one one of six speakers addressing crowds at Keel Square.
Speaking to the crowd at Keel Square, Lord Cashman, who has been a member of the House Of Lords since 2014, added: “This turnout today strengthens my heart.
“We stand together for the kind of Britain which respects diverstiy, which respects human rights and will never throw anyone’s rights away.
He added: “42 years ago, when we stood up against the Conservative Government which tried to force us underground, we said we’re going nowhere. That began the fight for equality we have nearly achieved in the United Kingdom, so when you see someone who’s rights are being thrown away, stand with them.”
Lord Cashman was joined by Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson, who referred to Sunderland’s new Reform UK-led Council in his speech, saying: “For our city to be made strong, it is stronger not by forcing people to fit in one narrow identity or idea of who we should be, but a city is made strong when everyone feels safe.”