Oxford Pride – idyllic in every way
The fifth Oxford Pride held on Saturday, was well-attended and went off without any unfortunate rain.
It was held on Oxpens Field and the patrons for this year’s event were Peter Tatchell, Lord Waheed Ali and Sir Ian McKellan.
Live music from acts including Natalie Powers and Lizzy Drip featured on the main stage, sponsored by public service trade union Unison.
The organisers for the event had requested people not to bring their own alcohol but encourage and support the participating vendors, helping in keeping Oxford pride free.
Also featured was the popular dog show, a regular event at the Oxford Pride.
Peter Tatchell, gay rights activist and Green Party candidate for Oxford, said that the event was a great success as it was well-attended by a “glorious mix of gay, lesbian and heterosexual folk, black and white.”
The event posed a distinct contrast to a Pride in Moscow earlier this year, where Tatchell had been beaten and arrested.
David Gwinnutt, who runs The Pink Union Jack company, said that Oxford was one of the least homophobic places in the county, or even in the country, “Oxford is a very liberal place.”
The Mayor of the city, John Tanner opened the event and thanked the gay and lesbian people of the city for their enormous contribution to the city.
Mr Tatchell, in his keynote speech, attacked civil partnerships.
“Separate is not equal. Equality means the right of gay
couples to get married on exactly the same basis as heterosexual
partners,” he said.
“The gay marriage ban must go. Marriage should be open to
same-sex couples and civil partnerships should be open to
heterosexuals.”
