Hi, I’m D.A., a final-year Business Management student at King’s. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I feel Pride is so much more than a parade; it's a living history of resistance, a celebration of authenticity, and a reminder that our journeys are intertwined. But wherever you are in your Pride journey, there are countless opportunities to explore events, stories, and spaces that uplift and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community.
A brief look at pride’s roots
Modern Pride traces back to the Stonewall uprising of 1969, when LGBTQ+ folks – predominantly led by trans women of colour – fought back against police harassment in New York City. The spirit of that protest still shapes Pride today, reminding us how activism and solidarity can spark meaningful change. Whether you’re brand new to Pride or have been marching for years, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the movement’s courageous beginnings.
My Pride story
Growing up in Vietnam, I honestly wasn’t sure where I fit. Pride gave me permission to explore who I was, beyond labels or assumptions, and find a supportive community along the way. Each June (and beyond), I do my best to stay visible, whether it’s wearing a King’s Pride student lanyard, reflecting on how far we’ve come or connecting with fellow King’s students who may be sharing similar paths to create a supportive and inclusive community.
Dive into LGBTQ+ media
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Pride and broaden your perspective is through books, films and TV:
Books:
- The Gallopers by Jon Ransom (2024): A Polari Prize winner that confronts masculine norms in emotive, historical contexts.
- Bellies by Nicola Dinan (2024): Explores first love, friendship, and transgender experiences in modern Britain.
Films:
- All of Us Strangers (2023): Starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, this film tackles grief, identity and a budding romance.
- Queer (2024): Daniel Craig portrays a gay American in Mexico City, grappling with love and self-discovery.
TV Shows:
- Survival of the Thickest Season 2 (2023): Features a major storyline about a Black trans woman’s wedding.
- Heartstopper (2022–4): A teen romance that beautifully highlights LGBTQ+ relationships and growth.
Explore inclusive spaces in London
Cafés:
- Corner in New Cross: A neighbourhood coffee shop run by LGBTQIA+ folks, with rotating art exhibits.
- The Photographers’ Gallery Café in Soho: Features queer photography with a relaxed café environment.
Museums:
Bookshops:
- Gay’s The Word in Bloomsbury: The nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore, a cherished community hub.
- The Common Press in Shoreditch: An intentionally queer, intersectional bookshop and café.
Major Pride events in 2025
If you do plan to attend:
- Pride in London, 5 July 2025: The flagship city-wide parade runs from Portland Place to Trafalgar Square and features community stages, family-friendly performances and a huge street-party atmosphere, a perfect first Pride if you want colour, music and crowds.
- London Trans+ Pride, 26 July 2025: A grassroots march that centres trans joy, visibility and rights. Expect rally-style speeches and a supportive crowd focused on solidarity and activism. Follow @londontranspride on Instagram for route updates.
- Brighton & Hove Pride 2 August 2025 – 3 August 2025: Just an hour by train from London, this seaside carnival is famed for its beach-side parade, Pride in the Park concert and community village, ideal for turning Pride into a weekend getaway.
- UK Black Pride, 10 August 2025: Europe’s largest celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern heritage, with live music, food stalls and vibrant cultural performances. Allies warmly welcome.
- Bi Pride UK, 31 August 2025: The only national Pride dedicated to the bi+ community. Expect panels, performances and safe-space zones that spotlight bisexual visibility and inclusion.
Join the celebration
Every Pride Month, we reconnect with our history and reaffirm our values of inclusion and empathy. It’s a time for allies to learn and for LGBTQ+ folks to feel celebrated. However you choose to mark the month, whether it’s through a good novel, a museum trip or a local Pride event, embrace the joy and stand tall in your truth.