The visibility of the Pride marches was central to the movement-at a time when homosexuality had only been partially decriminalised a few years before in 1967, the marches demonstrated that attendees were not afraid nor ashamed. Prominent activists such as Peter Tatchell have highlighted how the movement staged sit-ins in discriminatory pubs, picketed at homophobic conferences, and collaborated with movements such as those for the liberation of Black and working class people in what we would now understand as intersectionality. While the Pride marches became an annual tradition in London, there was still significant work to be done. The march was made up of many prominent organisations which represented LGBT+ people across the UK, with around 2,000 people in attendance. The first London march both celebrated LGBT+ individuals and demonstrated the need for improved representation and rights.
![london first gay pride parade london first gay pride parade](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f6/db/bf/f6dbbfc4c8e19bc0b6b313642e3b2b3d.jpg)
This took place soon after the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969, which were a response to continued oppression and harassment from the city and police forces. While community marches and demonstrations had taken place prior to this date, the first officially coordinated UK Gay Pride march was held in London on 1 July 1972. The first official march in the UK was held here in London, and for LGBT+ History Month we are looking at its history and impact. Pride marches take place annually in cities across the world, fighting for LGBT+ liberation and celebrating the community.
![london first gay pride parade london first gay pride parade](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/06/27/19/8-Pride-London-Get.jpg)