Birmingham Pride largely a success, despite police investigation of two homophobic incidents
These comments are un-moderated and do not necessarily represent the views of PinkNews.co.uk. If you believe that a comment is inappropriate or libellous please click "Report" or email us. Terms and Conditions · Privacy Policy
London: Gay couple threatened with death in violent late night homophobic assault
141
Government considers watered down same-sex marriage bill to minimise Tory rebellion
133
Tory MP Gerald Howarth: 'There are plenty in the aggressive homosexual community who want more than just same-sex marriage'
94
France: Far right activist commits suicide in Notre Dame following legalisation of equal marriage
93
Philip Hammond: 'No great demand for gay marriage and it's upsetting vast numbers of people'
73
Government to consider abolishing civil partnerships or opening up to straight couples
68
Norman Tebbit: David Cameron has 'f**** things up' with his equal marriage bill
66
David Cameron: Gay teenagers will stand that bit taller following equal marriage vote
62
Lib Dem Deputy Leader Simon Hughes: 'Marriage should be between one man and one woman'
58
US church blames Oklahoma tornado on gay basketball player Jason Collins
56
Robert in S. Kensington 667
GulliverUK 346
Jock S. Trap 340
Tim 312
Iris 300
Mark Y 292
That There Other David 290
Rehan 279
rapture 269
Wingby 251
Until the early 1990s I lived in Birmingham before leaving the UK for a new life in The Netherlands. I have fond memories of the Hurst Street/Thorpe Street which was only just beginning to become a “Gay Village” at the time. Birmingham Pride was not a concept though and was almost unthinkable in the largely hostile climate of the time, so it’s really great to read about this now.
Birminghams still a hostile homophobic city. I live here and you usually cant even go Hurst st without homophobic people inside the clubs. Sure pride might be a two day let off but for the other 363 days of the year its an anti gay hell hole. Even a gay police woman told me that when she came to take a statment for my hate crime. She said London has homophobic pockets but all round Birmignham is worse as a whole.
Pride only goes well because its seen as a public holiday event, if it was less advertised as such it wouldn’t go as well. its the same with most events in the city center – in particular St. Patrick’s day.
I see. Very discouraging.
Obviously there’s still a long way to go then.
CFD – I agree. My Partner and I have spent the odd weekend in Birmingham and it is very homophobic. Our record was SEVEN incidents in one weekend. Mostly whilst walking through the churchyard outside Snow Hill Station. Strangely, we don’t go back there anymore. We now prefer Nottingham as a place to meet up when at opposite ends of the country through work. One of the most “not-straight friendly” places we’ve visited.
It reads like the Birmingham police got it right on this occasion. Congratulations to them, if so.
Its true they did, getting there photos taken with the drag queens, dancing to lady gaga and generally making it clear that they were in full support of the event, it great to see that the police aren’t going to tolerate any homophobia, makes us feel a bit safer I suppose.
Sounds like a good weekend with idiots kept to a minimum.
Are we going to get any anti Brummie rhetoric? Or does that only apply when it’s Liverpool homophobia on the Pink News threads?
Trying to stir up Brummie-Scouse hostility by any chance? Won’t wash, mate!
No Dan he isnt trying to stir up anyway Brummie vs Scouse rhetoric. He is pointing out that if this was Liverpool Pride then we would see the usual racism against scousers. Double standards!
Birmingham Pride was amazing, ive never felt so gay! its great to have one weekend in the year to just celebrate birmingham and the whole of the uk’s diversity and acceptance to the GLBT community. It was fantastic to see so many straight people out in support. I honestly cant wait for next year to see if we can top 2011, trust me it wont be easy!
I have to say that Birmingham Pride was fantastic, and the policing was just right. The police presence was visible without being oppressive and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves too. Great weekend and the weather managed to hold out too.
I got punched in the mouth randomly on Hurst St at 2.30am on Monday morning after leaving the Village. You honestly can’t have an event like that on the edge of a really rough estate (which it is) and not have it wristbanded. The atmosphere on the streets that night was unpleasant. I witnessed a disturbing amount of straight male troublemaking. I found the police response to be inadequate.
I found 2011 pride the worst I’ve been to so far. It was a much more hostile atmosphere and a visibly largely police presence than previous years. I usually really enjoy it, but the mood was really changed by the large numbers of birmingham’s not so finest. I really hope the gay community take this event back from the rif-raf next year!
L