Return of Pride sees streets full of rainbows
Thousands joined a celebratory Pride march yesterday after the pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s event.
Glasgow’s first Pride Mardi Gla since 2019 began at Festival Park, with the parade making its way to George Square. Most Pride events around the UK in 2021 have been cancelled due to coronavirus, with just Glasgow and Birmingham hosting the LGBT marches this year.
Organisers say the colourful parade in Glasgow is the first full Pride march since the onset of Covid.
Among the speakers was new Scottish minister Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Green party, who joined the Scottish Government last week as part of the cooperation agreement between the SNP and his party.
Daniel Syme, chair of the organising committee said: “Covid has been so tough for everyone, but particularly the LGBT+ communities as we have seen a large increase in hate crimes in Scotland and also the rise of brutality and removal of legal rights across Eastern Europe.
“Today is a major step back to normality with a full Pride march, and I am delighted that Glasgow and Birmingham have come together to ensure the return of official pride marches to the UK.”
Parade manager Stuart Mcphail added: “The team has worked closely with Glasgow City Council and public agencies to ensure that the safety and welfare of participants is the most important consideration.”