Pride Month 2025 - We need to talk
As Pride Month 2025 begins, we find ourselves at a turning point. What once felt like unstoppable progress for LGBTQ+ rights now feels fragile, even under threat. The author urges the community to move beyond nostalgia and instead recommit to protest, political engagement and coalition-building.
Folks, we need to talk. When my calendar app reminded me that a new month had begun, I realised that it isn't just any month — it's June, it's Pride Month! And what a different Pride Month it is this year.
It took me a couple of days to reflect and think things through. I'm part of a generation that has only known progress in the last decade. When I joined my first Pride protest in Berlin in 2011, I was fighting for equality and same-sex marriage. Across Europe, we witnessed same-sex marriage bills being debated and introduced.
It literally felt like we were finally about to get what should never have been debated in the first place: equal rights, equal access, and acknowledgement that LGBTQ+ people deserve the same respect and treatment as anyone else.
Well, that didn't last long, did it?
The mood shift started in 2016
These days, pundits often talk about the so-called mood shift that has occurred since Trump was elected for a second time in 2024. But, let's be honest, this mood shift began when the 'orange man' first moved into the White House and Britain turned its back on the EU.
LGBTQ+ rights are under attack both at home and around the world. In some parts of the world, policy changes are subtle and difficult to detect. In others, LGBTQ+ rights are being repealed with great fanfare and jubilation. Trans people in particular are the focus of those with a very different idea of equality — or, dare I say it, no idea of equality at all.
Those who are socially conservative, gender conservative, right-wing or transphobic have been emboldened by recent UK Supreme Court rulings to speak out. And yes, the rulings have also emboldened and empowered those who secretly despised LGB people and their rainbow flags during the 'woke' years of the 2010s, finally inspiring them to show their true colours.
Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it. — Frances Wright
Things have to be done differently now
All over the world, Prides are rediscovering the spirit of protest, and I absolutely welcome this shift. The 2010s saw us celebrate what we had achieved in Western Europe and parts of the Americas. The 2020s are about protecting the progress we have made, and fighting again to ensure that governments, parliaments and local authorities do not forget about LGBTQ+ equality.
Protest has a firm place in this effort, but we mustn't forget to build platforms and bridges too. Those who seek to exclude and turn back the clock have been brilliant at gaining access to the rooms of power, leading a broad dialogue and building a coalition of politicians, wealthy individuals, companies, lawyers, academics and community groups.
This isn't a skill exclusive to them. We can do this too.
First, however, we should change gear.
I'm slightly annoyed that, even in 2025, people are still talking about 'rainbow capitalism'. Of course, companies are profit-oriented, and everything they do is a form of marketing, whether the cause you want to focus on is pink, green, or something else.
However, by welcoming businesses into the LGBTQ+ sphere and thereby holding them accountable, we have opened doors and raised awareness among sections of society that are usually resistant to LGBTQ+ messaging, or indeed any kind of messaging.
It's a long journey to true equality, and every step and every bit that helps us get there should not be dismissed too quickly.
Efforts by companies such as Disney and Netflix have normalised the presence of same-sex couples, as well as trans and non-binary people, in films and TV shows. This has helped us to become part of mainstream society. It keeps helping to build bridges and dialogue, and I would recommend that everyone embraces it instead of resenting it.
Let's reset, rethink and recharge
At least, this is how I see it: this year should be a real reset of our collective relationships with institutions, businesses, governments and political parties.
Although political parties have been barred from marching in major UK Pride parades this year, we still need to engage with parties and politicians outside of these events because, without them, we cannot influence policy and government decisions.
Yes, we are tired. We are tired of fighting political battles, and we are all collectively tired because this fight has been going on for decades. So let's take care of each other, take a break, recharge, and then get back out there.
Now’s not the time to back away from the table, because if we do, if we vacant these spaces and seats, others will take them, and they are unlikely to use their voice and influence to advance LGBTQ+ equality and support our communities.
That being said, happy Pride Month, and I'll see you protesting in Brighton, London and Berlin.
