‘Don’t trash love’, say Hackney marchers at Pride 2017

Proud: Mayor Philip Glanville with Young Hackney LGBT group. Photograph: Gary Manhine

Hackney took its biggest ever crowd to Pride last Saturday, along with a bin lorry daubed with the words ‘Don’t trash love’.

Mayor Philip Glanville, who joined the parade alongside local businesses, council staff, charities and youth groups, praised the “passion for equality” on display.

He said: “Being at Pride, with Hackney’s biggest ever contingent, we amplified the message, that we as a borough march in solidarity and positively affirm our passion for equality, challenging all forms of hate such as homophobia and transphobia, while celebrating and standing with the LGBTQI+ community, not only in our borough, but around the world.”

A whole lorra love: council waste staff join in the fun. Photograph: Gary Manhine

The slogan for this year’s Pride was ‘Love happens here’, and the group paid fitting tribute by wearing I Love Hackney rainbow heart T-shirts – a powerful symbol of the borough’s commitment to diversity.

Marchers included representatives from the Arcola theatre, Hackney Museum, Project Indigo and St Joseph’s Hospice.

Arcola engagement manager Nick Connaughton said: “We were honoured to march alongside representatives from across Hackney. Alongside the Mayor, council staff, residents, and our vibrant community and voluntary sector, the parade recognised that the LGBTQI+ community stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before, whilst reminding us of the work still to be done to achieve true equality.

“The cheers and spontaneous chants of ‘Hackney’ from both ourselves, and the spectators along the route, reminded me how special the borough is, and continues to give energy to our efforts to make Hackney a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.”

Earlier this year, the council launched Hackney Pride 365 – a 12-month, community-led festival celebrating the borough’s historic LGBTQI+ community.

To find out more about Hackney Pride 365 and to get involved in the various events on offer, you can visit the festival’s Facebook page, or head to the LGBT page on the council’s website.