Sir Ian McKellen joined campaigners in central London to protest against the continued criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people across the Commonwealth, leading a high-profile “Walk of Shame” organised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
The veteran actor and activist helped launch the march on Saturday, 30 May which aimed to highlight what organisers describe as decades of inaction by Commonwealth leaders on LGBTQ+ equality.
The demonstration began outside the Nigerian High Commission before moving on to other diplomatic missions, drawing attention to countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal under laws originally imposed during British colonial rule.
Campaigners say 29 Commonwealth countries still criminalise homosexuality, with penalties including life imprisonment in six nations and the death penalty in others.
Addressing the crowd, Sir Ian described the situation as “appalling”, urging Commonwealth governments to repeal what he called outdated laws. He said many of the statutes still in force were “relics of the British Empire” that the UK itself has long since abandoned.
“ No one should face prison, violence or death simply for being themselves and loving another person,” he said, adding that Britain had a responsibility to stand in solidarity with those campaigning for change.
The protest, billed as the #CommonwealthWalkOfShame, forms part of a wider campaign to put LGBTQ+ rights on the agenda of the Commonwealth, which activists say has “refused to recognise or even discuss” the issue throughout its 77-year history.
Participants included LGBTQ+ refugees and activists who have fled persecution in Commonwealth nations, alongside groups such as Out and Proud Africa LGBTI, Let Voice be Heard Bangladesh and the African Equality Foundation.
Marchers stopped outside the high commissions of eight countries — including Uganda, Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago - where laws criminalising same-sex relationships remain in force.
Peter Tatchell, the veteran human rights campaigner behind the event, said Commonwealth leaders had for decades failed to act on what he described as systemic persecution. He urged the organisation’s new Secretary‑General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to show “moral leadership” by publicly condemning anti‑LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Organisers argue the continued criminalisation of same-sex intimacy across the Commonwealth has profound consequences, forcing millions into hiding, fuelling violence and denying basic rights.
Despite presenting itself as a global advocate for democracy and equality, the Commonwealth has faced mounting criticism for its silence on the issue. Campaigners say the London protest is intended to challenge that record and amplify calls for reform.
Sir Ian acknowledged the demonstration was relatively small, but said he hoped its message would reach those living under restrictive laws.
“This is a heartfelt demonstration,” he said. “I hope word will get back to people who are living in fear … that they are supported.”
Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.
Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.
Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.
Member discussion