Yesterday was Leeds Pride. LGBTory patron, Stuart Andrew MP is always a great supporter of the event and this year he once again spoke on stage. Below is a transcript of what he said:
"Good afternoon. This is the third time I have spoken at Leeds Pride since becoming our city’s only gay Member of Parliament in 2010 but I am incredibly proud to say that it is the first time I have addressed you all knowing that we now live in a land of marriage equality where men can now marry men and woman can now marry women. This truly is an incredible time for the rights of loving couples in our country and I felt honoured to have played a part in making that happen.
But, now more than ever some people ask the question of ‘Why do we need Pride’. We are told we have equal rights so we should shut up, stop complaining and get on with our lives.
However, if it was not for the brave men and women who have suffered persecution, torture and imprisonment throughout countless decades of intolerance we would not be able to stand here today. As past generations have fought for our freedoms, it is our responsibility to continue their mission of pursuit of fairness and equality.
We only need to look at a newspaper to see the appalling treatment of gays and lesbians in Russia or in Zimbabwe to see why we still need pride. Our celebrations shine a beacon of hope throughout the world, if our voices are heard by just one person in Russia who is being hounded by the authorities, if we are seen by just one person in Zimbabwe who has been beaten or tortured by those who hate people who simply want to love then there is your answer. Pride is hope, pride is fighting for equality, pride is support and pride is a determination to achieve equality in society and to pursue everyone’s right to love.
Today (Sunday 4th August 2013) is a great example of what we can achieve together so parade through the streets, raise your voices, celebrate who you are and show the world that we are loud and proud.
Thank you."