WELCOME

Welcome to the summer issue of Pride Life and our annual definitive guide to all the best Pride events in the UK and beyond. We’ve achieved so much as an LGBT community in terms of equality and acceptance over the past ten years or so — and now it’s time to celebrate that fact and party as only we and our straight allies know how! But while we’re partying, let’s not forget that there’s still a lot to fight for – whether it’s homophobic bullying and language in schools, illegally being denied goods or services, or having your head bashed in purely because of your sexuality. And that’s just in the UK — there are over 70 countries in the world where being gay is illegal. So who says we haven’t anything left to fight for?

And while you’re celebrating, whether at one of the big city mega-bashes or the more intimate and family-friendly baby Prides, remember that these events don’t come cheap, and most Prides are run, often on a shoestring, by a group of dedicated volunteers. If you want your Pride to remain free, then try and give a couple of quid to the bucket collectors on the day.

Have a great party wherever you are in the country. It’s your Life and it’s your Pride.