Nuneaton organisers welcome socialists
Chris Gamble, Nuneaton Socialist Party
We ran two campaign stalls. One in the town centre, focused on our local campaign opposing hospital parking charges. And one outside the gates of Pride.
Both stalls did exceptionally well, raising over £140 between them, including 25 people who bought the Socialist paper – more than our typical campaign stalls.
Even better was the reception that we received from organisers and the public. We were welcomed by the organisers warmly, and shown a great spot right in front of Pride for our stall.
We had fantastic discussions with them about funding our NHS, and the impact that has on gender-affirming care.
With the EHRC’s guidance being used to attack trans rights, the politics of Pride is more important than ever. A stance we shared with most that stopped to talk with us.
We met ten people interested in the Socialist Party, and we look forward to seeing some of the them at our meetings in the weeks to come. It was the best day of campaigning in Nuneaton since I joined the Socialist Party a couple of years ago.
75,000 march in Leeds
Michael Johnson, Socialist Party LGBTQ+ group organiser and Leeds Socialist Party
75,000 joined the march. While the main event restricts itself to a carnival environment for its corporate sponsors, many attendees wanted to discuss politics.
Attendees spoke to us about the homophobia and transphobia they, or family and friends, face and the need for proper campaigns to not only challenge incidents when they occur, but also the causes of division.
The Socialist Party encountered strong support for our free public transport campaign. People told us, coupled with transport that they get a say in, this would help keep people safe.
People we spoke to were clear that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights can’t just be once a year, but needs to go into our communities and workplaces to fight for jobs, pay, housing, and everything we need.
Bristol – jobs and homes
Lizzie Audrey, Bristol Socialist Party
Thousands marched. The Socialist Party handed out leaflets for our public meeting two days later. We marched alongside the National Education Union (NEU).
At our meeting, we discussed issues, such as housing and employment, which affect LGBTQ+ people disproportionately. A key point of discussion was corporate presence at Pride events, and the fragility of their conditional support.
