Student Life August 2019

LONDON PRIDE
BY TSHEQUA WILLIAMS & JOSHUA HODGKIN
On 6th July we travelled down to London for one of the biggest events within the
LGBT+ community in the UK – the Pride in London Parade. We arrived in the afternoon
and got the tube into Westminster station where we joined the crowds to watch the
parade from the end of its course near Trafalgar Square. The whole day was filled with
celebration, acceptance as well as being a protest for the rights of the community –
we agreed that it was truly one of the most amazing and special days we’ve ever had.
As a proud member of
the LGBT+ community,
this day was a beautiful
experience. I’d never been
to a pride event until
London 2019, and it was
a truly amazing day. I’ve
explored my sexuality
and my comfort with it
both with you reading this
magazine and in private,
but I’ve only recently felt
comfortable enough with
it to be able to share it
with others and spend a
day celebrating it. People
come to Pride for so many
reasons, and I went to
celebrate my sexuality, and
to celebrate love in general.
My wonderful partner Tee
and I had a splendid time,
and it feels amazing to visit
a celebration of love with
someone you love. The
rainbow shines brightly
and proudly for everyone,
and it is so beautiful to see
love shared by everyone,
regardless of identity. JH
IMAGE BY TSHEQUA WILLIAMS
Pride in London 2019 was one of the most beautiful
experiences of my life. Although I had attended
the event many times when I was little and living in
London, it was only going back after a few years where
I really fully appreciated just how amazing it is to be
surrounded by the love and happiness shared by the
community. Amongst a sea of rainbow flags and glitter,
every single person was filled with joy and a true sense
of everyone embracing who they are with pride - this
time felt like the most special. While I’m not directly
part of the LGBT+ community, it was so lovely to show
my admiration attending Pride as an ‘ally’, supporting
such wonderful people and, of course, my partner
Josh (whom I am very proud of and so grateful I could
experience his first pride event with him). TW
74 74 • AUGUST • MY LIFE 2019 • • STUDENT LIFE LIFE