OPINION: 'VIP' packages create a class divide within Pride

I am often criticised for being 'too negative' about the LGBTQ+ community, and I want to start this article by saying... I am perfectly entitled to raise issues within my own community. If that rubs you up to the wrong way, perhaps take a moment to reflect on why you are so bothered.

Today's moan is about 'VIP packages' at Pride. As we all know very well, Pride is not restricted to June. There are many events that happen throughout the summer, and sometimes even into September. It is becoming increasingly common for events to offer VIP status so a select number of attendees.

I have previously spoken about how people are being priced out of attending Pride events in places like Manchester and Brighton due to their extortionate ticket prices. But offering VIP packages, to me, is worse.

As a working-class socialist, I hate the class system. I love being working-class, and I love being a socialist. But I hate being poor. I mean, sure, it gives me a stronger sense of solidarity and class struggle, but it's also a pain in the arse most of the time. Whilst I am struggling to pay my bills and keep my food cupboards topped up, I don't expect my own community to make me 'less-than' by creating an elite status within a space I deserve to be in.

I live in Hull, and I am proud to live here. But 'Pride in Hull' offers a VIP wristband for their event, which offers:

• Premium stage viewing
• Exclusive VIP Lounge access
• A dedicated VIP bar
• Private toilets

And sure, it's £21.25 (including a booking fee) which sounds reasonable. But whilst a select few enjoy private toilets, the rest of the attendees are forced to use disgusting portaloos which are caked in faeces and urine within an hour or two of the event opening up.

That, I admit, is more a reflection on people more broadly than it is on Pride in Hull, but the point is, you shouldn't have to pay access basic facilities such as toilets that are dignified and clean. The concept is utterly wild to me.

Earlier, I mentioned the class system. By creating VIP packages, you essentially create a class system within a community that should be seeking to unite and stand alongside each other. But instead, we are creating a status which shows preference to people who can afford to pay extra. Elitism within Pride.

And look, I have often spoken about how Pride events struggle financially, and by offering a VIP package, it tops up their income a bit. I understand it from a business perspective. But let's look at it from the financial perspective of somebody who is on state benefits such as Universal Credit. Before even considering buying a VIP wristband, they have to fork out money for:

• Bus or taxi fares
• Food and drink costs
• Pride-related items such as flags, makeup, etc.

If that's a family, those costs add up massively. Nobody is saying that people have to buy any of that stuff. But Pride should be inclusive, not exclusive. We should be enabling people to enjoy the event as much as possible rather than allowing them to feel excluded by costs associated with attending.

It is absolutely fair to say that 'everything costs money', because it does. Nothing in life is free. But too much of Pride is very corporate, and when we have huge corporations pumping huge amounts of money into these events, I do wonder why we continue to allow organisers to divide us into 'VIP' and 'Standard'.

Pride should prioritise accessibility over premium experience. If 'VIP' is to exist, the standard experience should be dignified and comfortable. Pride began as a protest and community solidarity, but today, it resembles a commercial festival economy. And unfortunately, 'VIP' culture symbolises that disappointing descent into corporate greed.