Can you take your kids to Pride? Why not? Of course, you can, duh! First things first, if you’re not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, think about why you’re attending. Are you willing to support the community outside of the rainbow-themed parade or just there to play dress-up?
You may be a parent of a child who is either questioning or a part of the community; if so you’re a VIP and should definitely go and take them with you. Whatever your reason for attendance, make sure it’s an honest one. Lots of people have fought for the right to take a stand, and Pride isn’t an excuse to wear glitter.
The first Gay Pride march took place in New York in 1970. The LGBTQ+ community took to the streets to commemorate riots that took place the year before. Throughout the 60’s it was common for police to raid gay and trans-friendly bars. Police officers would misuse their authority to spread their bigotry and hatred, that was until LGBTQ+ people decided to take to the streets and fight back. When police tried to arrest and mistreat The Stonewall Inn’s customers and employees, four nights of rioting commenced. Two often-forgotten people who made an impact that night were transgender women Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
The Stonewall Riots
What you won’t see at Pride
You won’t see ‘big gay orgies’ or trans people trying to brainwash the masses. These things don’t happen. What you and your children will see is a fabulous parade. You’ll see colourful floats, including brands and LGBTQ+ activists waving their flags and people having a great time in a safe space.
Drag queens, camp queens and everyone in between are welcome. As long as you’re open-minded and believe in rights for all, you won’t be offended. There will be adults consuming alcohol, that’s a given during fun vibes and summer sun. As you would with any adult orientated street party, steer clear of pubs and bars. During the day you may be able to find a child-friendly pub, but from 5:30 onwards, the kids need to leave.
Pride London – Kids at Pride
Will ‘Gays etc’ be showing public displays of affection?
Well, I mean, there are no current UK laws that suggest that a crime is taking place if they do. You may see same-sex couples kissing or holding hands. However, there is no difference between their love and Charlene and Scott’s…except that TV romance wasn’t real. Taking your kids to Pride may help them learn, first hand, that the LGBTQ+ community isn’t one to be feared or mocked. It’s a time to get rid of stereotypes and let your kids see things for themselves; everyone has the right to love and be who they want to be.
UK Black Pride, London – Kids at Pride
If you’re still up for it, make sure you check the following
Yourself. No gawking or staring, please. This is a safe space for people to love who they love and be who they want to be with Pride!
Travel. Pride gets busier and busier every year, and stations can get pretty crowded. Make sure you check for station closures or route diversions to avoid getting stuck.
Outfits. Many brands are jumping on the LGBTQ+ train and making a profit by doing so. Although some are in it to make a quick buck, others are supporting the community by donating to organisations and charities. Put your money in the right places my fellow allies!
Spot on. Our town had its first ever Pride event this year on a much smaller scale than the big city events but with the same vibe. Sparked lots of questions and convos with my kids like “why don’t we see more drag queens around all the time?” and “do the stripes on the rainbow symbolise different groups of people?” and from my step daughter “I wonder if my friend will be here, she’s trans” (cue a really lovely conversation that showed how far we’ve come since I was in school) but mainly as a let’s celebrate diversity and support out LGBTQ+ community.
Only the week before we’d watched the Gareth Thomas documentary about his HIV diagnosis and Bohemian Rhapsody and what stood out for me from my 11 year old was that he’d not really understood the stigma, the homophobia of previous generations and the pain it caused. I have gay friends and my kids have been to their houses, met them and know LGBTQ+ isn’t “other”, that all people are people and love is love.
All that said, I did have to think through why we were going to Pride and make sure I communicated with them about what the history is and why it’s still a thing. I didn’t want us going as tourists, gawping and getting bogged down in fancy dress without getting the wider context. So yep, what you said. x