Written by Wyse Lockyer, CRR UK

Pride is an exciting time of the year for the LGBTQA+ community. It’s a time to connect with each other, celebrate who we are publicly and feel part of a community – especially for those of us who are suffering because it’s not accepted by our families.

Within the last 5 years, many commercial companies have appeared to embrace this community, seizing the opportunity. In consequence, there has been some back-lash as the companies are seen to be using the growing movement to push products and improve their image. I too have felt anger at this, but I also see benefits.

I recall standing in the crowds outside the Brighton Pavilion in 2018, watching commercial Pride floats go past, wondering how much money had been wasted on the vehicles and thinking… “what the F*** have most of them historically done for the LGBTQA+ movement?”

A lot of the huge companies who participate in Pride celebrations are the very same companies who haven’t supported our community in the past.

I think it’s this lack of accountability for the past – not addressing the “ghost” in the system as ORSC™ puts it – that is the source of irritation. It feels incongruent with “we are here to support you” statements during Pride month, when for years they have marginalised our voices and not supported us.

However, I know the messaging comes from a good place. Those driving the messages from within the company are likely to be members of the LGBTQA+ community, and allies. This also raises awareness and creates community within their organisation, which is extremely important.

My family did not accept my sexuality, and I am no longer in contact with my immediate family for this reason. However, I have noticed a change in attitude even from them and I think this is down to the commercialisation of Pride. My family went from making homophobic and degrading comments about the LGBTQA+ community on a frequent basis, to not reacting so often and becoming more aware of the impact of what they are saying. I have linked this – noticeable – change to their immersion in messaging from many organisations around Pride in the media.

So, for this reason, I can only see the commercialisation of Pride as positive. There are many countries where being openly queer can get you killed, and homosexuality has still not been legalised in others – there are still countries where loving who you want to love is seen as a criminal act!

We need big organisations to help continue our fight for freedom – that they benefit commercially is the least of my worries. We need their help to change attitudes and laws worldwide and support our work towards equality for all.