In Leeds, we are fastidiously preparing for LGBT Pride on August 1st and the day promises to be a colourful affair, full of fun and frivolity.
But, this year as in many previous ones, there have been horrific instances around the world, towards LGBT people that have been instigated not only by individuals but also by Governments.
Most of you would have read in the press about the gay couple in Malawi who were sentenced to 14 years hard labour for being the first same sex couple in the country to commit publicly to marriage at a ‘symbolic’ ceremony.
Two days after their marriage, the couple, Steven Monjeza,26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga,20, were arrested for; gay sex, unnatural acts and gross indecency. Upon sentencing the couple the magistrate told them that they had acted “against the order of nature.” The Police prosecutor at the trail demanded a harsh punishment as the couple had, “left a scar upon Malawi and showed no remorse for their actions.”
At the time of writing, it has just been announced that the Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered the immediate release of the couple. The President said that he HAD to release them on humanitarian grounds, though threats of sanctions from western countries were, in all likelihood, his main reason. In a statement after ordering the release, Mutharika said;
"In all aspects of reasoning, in all aspects of human understanding, these two gay boys were wrong - totally wrong,"
Gay sex is illegal in 37 African countries and widely vilified. Religious leaders compare it to Satanism.
The UK has laws to protect us and we can enter into Civil Partnerships but there are still many groups out there who hate us and what we stand for as well as there being many ‘closeted bigots!’
I was in Asda in Holt Park a couple of weeks ago, stood at the customer service desk complaining about something or other, when suddenly, the assistant who was serving me was interrupted by a colleague, they whispered and looked over at someone and began laughing. I turned to see what the hilarity was about and noticed that a Transgender woman had entered the store. The assistants noticed that I had realised why they were laughing and tried to engage me in their ‘fun.’ One look at my expression put a stop to that.
Initially, I felt extreme sadness that this woman who had just come out into a busy supermarket just to do some shopping was the target of such nasty and appalling behaviour.

My point to all of this is that LGBT Pride in Leeds this year promises to be the best and biggest yet. It is and needs to be a colourful, loud and flamboyant celebration. We need to parade through our city and announce that we are here and are proud. We need to have a huge party afterwards and enjoy who we are.
But, even if it is just for a few seconds on the day please spare a thought for the people who are suffering persecution due to who they love. Please spare a thought for the couple in Malawi. Or please, give a few seconds thought to the Transgender woman in Asda who just wanted to buy some lunch.

Sarah Carmody
editor@gayleeds.com