People travelled from all over the UK to attend the capital's
summer celebration of lesbian, gay, bi and trans pride, which
dominated the city on Saturday.
To mark the day, DIVA editor Jane Czyzselska issued a message of
support to attendees, which read: "Recent events in New York prove
what wonderful changes can happen with the fight for equality, and
we - as a community - should be proud. We are making huge strides,
but there's much more to accomplish."
The event began with a giant parade which started outside the
BBC's Broadcasting House on Regent Street. From there, the march -
which featured Ken Livingstone and members of LGBT Labour, plus
Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes and members of LGBTory, the
armed forces and the TUC - snaked through Oxford and Piccadilly
Circus before gathering in Trafalgar Square.
There, tens of thousands met for an afternoon of live
entertainment and empassioned speeches from the likes of Home
Office Minister James Brokenshire.
He addressed thousands of revellers in Trafalgar Square, saying:
"As a government we are clear that an equal society is absolutely
essential for a stronger and more prosperous Britain, a society
based on the values of fairness, dignity and respect. That is why
as a government we are committed to advancing lesbian gay bisexual
and transgender equality."
Backstage, Labour MP Chris Bryant echoed these sentiments. He told
DIVA: "Pride is important because people forget that even though
we've gained a lot of rights in the last 15 years, there are cases
such as Ian Baynham being killed in this square [Trafalgar Square]
two years ago, and the people who murdered him for being gay only
got 13 years between them."
He added: "There was also David Kato in Uganda who was killed five
months ago just for being gay. And still in countries such as
Italy, Poland and Greece, there are absolutely no rights to get
married or have a civil partnership - so I think there still a lot
to fight for."
X Factor's Rachel Adedeji was one of the headline performers. She
told DIVA: "I have so many gay and lesbian fans - I'm lucky. And
I'm especially lucky to be here today."
Bel Ami and Lloyd Daniels - also from the ITV talent show - both
performed on stage.
Naechane Valentino - formerly known as Mz Fontaine - was also
present.
