Express & Star

Wolverhampton Pride fills streets of city in biggest event

Thousands of people flocked to Wolverhampton Pride for the biggest and best event in its three-year history.

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Members of the city's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community said they were delighted with the huge turnout and support from local leaders and MPs.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was among the guest speakers at a rally following a march through the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of people lined the streets to take in the colourful spectacle of the parade led by the yellow-clad drummers of Someone At The Door Samba Band based in Bromsgrove. There was also a performance by X Factor star Lucy Spraggan. The marchers, some dressed in colourful costumes, followed a one-mile route from Fold Street, to Salop Street, Cleveland Street, Dudley Street, Victoria Street and Skinner Street before gathering behind Gorgeous Club for speeches and entertainment.

There were representatives from numerous organisations that turned out in force to help raise awareness of the equal rights campaign.

These included a 40-strong group from Wolverhampton Homes wearing specially made T-shirts and a group from West Midlands Ambulance Service. There were funfair rides, community information stands and stalls including the Army's 159 Supply Royal Logistics Corp Regiment.

Amanda Roberts, aged 28, of Willenhall, of transgender group Lip Gloss, said she was attending with members of another group, Outskirts.

"Some people think just because you are transgender you have lesser rights than everyone else, but there should be equality for all," Miss Roberts said.

General manager of the LGBT Network Wolverhampton, Martha Bishop added: "It has gone really well. We have more than 1,000 people taking part in the parade and 3,000 are expected to attend the whole event. It is the third year that we have held this parade and it is very much a community event that is growing year by year.

"Last time there were 500 of us on the streets.

"Although I organise it, I survive with the help of some incredible supporters. I am absolutely delighted that that so many people came out to support us. We need to do this to raise LGBT awareness.

"There are still people being bullied in the workplace, and still people with mental health issues who are being kicked out of their homes."

The event was officially opened by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Mike Heap, who said: "I would like to begin by thanking each and every one of you here today for supporting this important event in the LGBT calendar to ensure its continued success. I am pleased that the numbers have seen another massive boost." Wolverhampton MPs Emma Reynolds and Pat McFadden also took part in the parade.

Ms Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East, praised the efforts of the network and Ms Bishop for her hard work to make the growing event such a success.

"As an MP my proudest moment in parliament in the last four and half years is to vote for equal marriage. If you love somebody then it should not matter who they are – you should be able to recognise that in some way. All of us are working together in the fight against discrimination against LGBT people all over the world. I am really proud of you," Miss Reynolds told the crowd.

The loudest cheers were for Mr Tatchell who told the rally that despite the strides made in the same sex marriage campaign, there was more work to be done.

Mr Tatchell said: "You have got a lot to be proud of. We have got same sex marriage after a huge campaign that many people five years ago thought was impossible, but we won. I want to thank you because it wasn't won by me. Together we won the campaign.

"There is much to celebrate – but sadly the same sex laws are not the same as having equal rights. We have got two Marriage Acts in Britain, one for couples of the opposite sex and another for those of the same sex. That is not equality, if one same sex partner dies you have not got the rights inheritance rights so there are still battles to be won."He added that many LGBT people were still suffering from problem in the workplace, and that some young people encountered bullying in their everyday lives. And that some people fleeing from persecution abroad were being refused asylum in this country and placed in detention centres as a result.

Among those who watched the parade was Lauren Gemmell, aged 22 and shop assistant from Fordhouses, Wolverhampton.

"I came to have a look at what was going on. It's very loud, but I think it's really good for everyone to get involved and it's good to raise awareness of the issues. I also think it's good for youngsters to see that they are not alone."

Shopper Michael Mitton, aged 65, of Buller Street, Parkfields, Wolverhampton, said: "It think the parade is lovely. I do believe in relationships between men and women. But I also absolutely believe in equal rights."

Wolverhampton Pride parade last month
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