Together in Pride: celebrating progress and equality
June 10, 2025
Photo by Rosemary Ketchum at Pexels
Jamie Aldridge shares why Pride Month matters for LGBTQ+ rights and identity
Pride Month, which takes place in June every year, provides a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate their diversity and achievements. Events also raise awareness of ongoing issues and offer an opportunity to educate people about LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
The LGBTQ+ community in the UK has come a long way since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. In 2003, the controversial government statute known as ‘Section 28’ was repealed. This law had banned local authorities and schools from ‘promoting homosexuality’ for over 15 years.
In 2004, civil partnerships were introduced, and the Gender Recognition Act, also passed in 2004, allowed binary trans people to change the sex marker on their birth certificate. In 2013, same-sex marriage was legalised, finally giving same-sex couples the same legal protections as opposite-sex couples.
Although the UK has made great progress, discrimination still exists, so celebrating LGBTQ+ pride remains as important as ever. The community continues to face challenges including hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and lack of representation in politics and media.
While progress has been made in the UK many countries still criminalise LGBTQ+ identities
Trans communities continue to face discrimination and violence. Stonewall reports a 186% rise in transphobic hate crimes over the past five years. Their Zoteria app helps LGBTQ+ people and allies report hate and access support.
Recently, the UK has made important advances in supporting LGBTQ+ people affected by domestic abuse, including a specialist perpetrator programme by RISE Mutual UK and the National LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse helpline operated by Galop. These efforts show growing recognition of tailored responses for LGBTQ+ communities. For more information on this, check here.
As someone who came out in my teens, it’s so encouraging to see how much more support there is for young LGBTQ+ people today. Programmes like Stonewall’s Young Leaders, launched in 2024, offer free leadership training, retreats, and peer networks for LGBTQ+ youth. It’s not only about giving them a voice, it’s about giving them the tools to lead with pride. Seeing young people step into leadership roles fills me with hope for the future.
While progress has been made in the UK and elsewhere, many countries still criminalise LGBTQ+ identities. According to the latest reports from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), consensual same-sex sexual acts are criminalised in 64 countries worldwide.
A charity for homeless LGBTQ+ people gave me safety and a chance to rebuild
Transgender people continue to face difficulties accessing medical support, with long waiting lists for adult Gender Identity Clinics (GICs). Additionally, England’s only children’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) in London was closed in 2022 and replaced by new regional NHS gender services. These are still developing and facing ongoing challenges. For advice and support navigating these issues, you can check out Gendered Intelligence here.
Like many LGBTQ+ young people, I’ve faced my share of challenges. But I’ve also seen first-hand the amazing work being done creating safe spaces. Between April 2023 and May 2024, AKT, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, helped nearly 800 young people with housing, mental health care, and community. I was one of them. Their support got me through a difficult time, offering not just shelter but safety, peace, and a chance to get back on my feet.
This June, Pride Month 2025 invites us to celebrate how far we’ve come while remembering the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues worldwide. Organisations like Stonewall and Amnesty International play a vital role in this work. It’s a time to unite, honour diversity, and push for equality with renewed energy and hope.
Queer Britain, the UK’s first museum of queer culture, remains dedicated to celebrating the stories and artwork of LGBTQ+ people.
For more Pride events in North London, check out here for this regularly updated Pride event directory. Whether you’re attending an event or simply celebrating your own story, join the movement and show up proud because together we are stronger.
