John Williams, Unite Executive Council member representing LGBTQ+ members, and Cardiff Socialist Party
There were huge numbers this year at Cardiff Pride – of all ages and backgrounds. The divide-and-rule tactic used by the capitalist class and their politicians can only get them so far! Class solidarity was clear to see.
Like many previous years, there’s been a debate around trade union participation in commercialised Prides like this one. It’s a disgrace that people have to pay to officially take part in the march and the big social event afterwards. As different trade unions in Wales approach this question differently, the TUC Cymru always pays Pride Cymru to ensure trade unions can ‘officially’ take part. Even if they didn’t, we’d still take part.
There was a really good response to our petition, calling to stop the EHRC guidance, and to defend trans rights and the right to self-ID. We explained that it’s Labour austerity and pro-big business politics that’s rolling out the red carpet for Reform and creating the conditions for LGBT+phobia to spread.
The march was so big we had to set up a second stall at the other end of the march, just so everyone had the opportunity to see us. Unfortunately, we were told we couldn’t have the second stall where we wanted it. There was also a council ban on stalls along the route. But two Socialist Party members held up our red wrap with the posters and slogans on, which was just as effective. We managed to speak to loads of people as we caught people’s eyes. Everyone played a role – selling the Socialist and getting people to sign our petition and discuss our ideas with us.
