“This is exactly why Pride still matters”: York Pride organisers vow event will go ahead after homophobic letter

Organisers behind this year’s York Pride say the event will continue as planned despite receiving an offensive letter from a local resident objecting to the celebrations.

Greg Stephenson, York Pride’s chair and managing director, said the correspondence was sent in response to notices delivered to households near the Knavesmire warning of temporary road closures and increased activity during the festival weekend.

The letter contained anti-LGBTQ+ remarks and abusive language, according to Mr Stephenson, who described the contents as deeply upsetting. He said the matter would be passed to North Yorkshire Police.

Speaking ahead of the event on Saturday, 30 May, Mr Stephenson said the incident underlined why Pride celebrations remain important.

“People still question whether Pride is needed,” he said. “This shows exactly why it still matters.”

Mr Stephenson, who has helped organise Pride events for more than 12 years, said it was the first time he had received such a hostile response from a resident.

Among the comments included in the letter were claims that LGBTQ+ people were “not normal” and references to how “people like you” were once arrested. It also warned that “not all residents support this”, alongside several expletives.

While condemning the message, Mr Stephenson said attitudes had improved significantly in recent years and stressed that those views were not representative of the wider community.

Thousands are expected to attend York Pride, which will feature live music across three stages, a family-friendly area and a funfair on the Knavesmire.

Last year’s parade drew large crowds through the city centre, travelling from Parliament Square to the festival site.