Leeds Pride 2011 will be here before we know it and what a day it will surely be. But this year, as in many previous ones, the question of ‘Why bother with Pride?’ rears its ugly head.

True, the country is probably more accepting and gay friendly today than at any other point in its history but, just because things are not as bad as they used to be does not mean that we have to stop fighting for equality and fairness.

Millions upon millions of people have fought, suffered and faced extreme and at times mortal danger in the hope of true acceptance and an equal society. That hope is their legacy and it is our responsibility to protect this legacy and then pass it on to future generations whilst being secure in the knowledge that we have done everything we possibly can to improve on what those who came before us did.

Recently, a West Yorkshire business that has always been welcoming to all LGBT people came under new management. That new management brought a wave of harsh intolerance and hatred aimed towards people because of who they love and how they identify themselves. Sadly LGBT people no longer feel welcome or safe in this place and have had no option but to move on. The bigotry and hatred shown in this instance was sickening but sadly, it is still not as uncommon as many would like to believe.

Not long after last year’s summer of worldwide Pride events were complete, shocking news from America hit the headlines. Within the space of just a few weeks, six teenage boys had all committed suicide due to being on the receiving end of homophobic bullying. What should have been a time of future dreams and self-discovery for these young people became a nightmare. They were harassed, bullied and made to feel so worthless and insignificant due to who they were attracted too that they could see only one, final solution.

In December 2010 a 62 year old man was walking home one evening. He was just minding his own business and not interfering in anyone else’s. He happened to walk past a gang of teenagers who shouted, “F***ing faggort” at him. This man never saw his home again and the final moments of his life consisted of fear, hatred and violence. His name was Ian Baynam and he was gay.

Sadly, the examples of intolerance, violence and hatred towards LGBT could go on and on and on and even more shockingly, these examples are not from the last century or the last decade but just from the past few months.

We bother with Pride because we believe that we deserve more, we believe in an equal society that is free from hatred and bigotry, we believe in celebrating love and we believe that there should be absolutely no tolerance under the law for those who actively target and persecute us because of this.

Leeds Pride 2011 is going to be amazing and that is exactly how it should be.

 Sarah Carmody

editor@gayleeds.com