Sadiq Khan’s message for Pride in London: The fight isn’t over yet
London mayor Sadiq Khan during the parade at Pride in London 2019. (Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images for Pride in London)
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has spoken out as thousands of people take to the streets to celebrate Pride in London, saying “the fight isn’t over yet.”
“I want to wish everyone a very happy Pride,” he said in a video message for PinkNews. “This year is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and a reminder of how much has been achieved for LGBT+ equality over those five decades.
“Legalisation of homosexuality, abolition of Section 28, equalisation of the age of consent, and equal marriage. But prejudice and violence remain a reality for far too many. So the fight isn’t over yet.”
I want to say loud and clear that I stand with you.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan during the parade at Pride in London 2019 on July 06, 2019 in London, England. (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Pride in London)
London Mayor Sadiq Khan during the parade at Pride in London 2019 on July 06, 2019 in London, England. (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Pride in London)
He continued, “Not only to continue the progress we’ve already made but also worryingly to defend against the growing threat of those who want to take us backwards.
“That’s why I want to say loud and clear that I stand with you.”
The @MayorofLondon wants to wish you a happy @PrideInLondon. ?️? pic.twitter.com/ka6I4CnS2h
— PinkNews (@PinkNews) July 6, 2019
Promising to “always be a mayor who will fight for the rights of the LGBT+ community,” he said, “Here in London, you are and always will be free to be who you want to be and love whoever you want to love.”
And we’re off! Incredible atmosphere here at #PrideInLondon – with thousands of Londoners & visitors coming together to show solidarity with London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Here in London, you are free to be whoever you want to be & love whoever you want to love.#Pride #Pride2019 pic.twitter.com/hCj0pT8YFL— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) July 6, 2019
The mayor lead the front of the parade with trans-inclusive lesbian group L with the T, showing that inclusion of every letter of the LGBT+ rainbow is valid and deserves its place at Pride.
Last year’s event was hijacked by anti-trans protesters.
The group distributed anti-trans leaflets under the banner “Get the L Out,” claiming that transgender women are a threat to lesbians.
Pride in London later apologised for the failure to remove the protesters.
