I think I’ve recovered from Pride. After walking round work like a zombie for a week, and despite not having the relaxing, non-drinking time I’d promised my body last weekend, I’m starting to feel more alive. (Although I do feel like I’ve damaged my liver / stomach / brain, and may be suffering from morning sickness. Maybe I’m preggo).

ANYWAY. Enough about me. How bloody lovely was Pride!? Despite the rain early in the day it all turned out rather brilliant in the end didn’t it? I spent more of my time drooling over straight bar men in Ibiza Rock Bar and Stone Roses, and catching up with friends I haven’t seen in ages.

I don’t know if it was just me, but Pride seemed somewhat more political than in the past. I don’t know whether it was the argument I had with a man the day before over on my Culture Vulture post (see the comments), the rather ingenious ‘Never Kissed a Tory’ campaign by the Labour party, or the awkward silence the Conservatives drew as they passed in the parade, but there was a certain ‘edge’ to Leeds Pride this year.

One group that particularly intrigued me was the collection of noisy politicised young people, with home made placards and banners. I didn’t see where they were from unfortunately, so I’m going to call them the Queer Youth. I hope that doesn’t offend anyone!

What I found remarkable about the Queer Youth was their ability to effortlessly bring back that cool, Harvey Milk, San Fran old school vibe to the parade, and protest and celebrate in a peaceful but still loud / effective / political way. (Plus they had some funny political and sexual puns, which everyone loves).

In the week that followed Pride we saw many of our big cities burnt, looted and destroyed. Whilst we can’t yet discern the cause for the riots (and I think we can do nothing but speculate for a long time yet), what I do believe I can say is this:

Whilst we have to explicitly maintain the difference between protesters and rioters, I believe disenfranchised and marginalised groups of young people in the UK today can learn a lot from the Queer Youth of Leeds Pride 2011 - about how to be seen, and how to be heard. The Queer Youth also challenge the assumptions may have fallen foul to in recent weeks - that all young people in Britain are violent, selfish, and lazy individuals. They promote the very ideal that older generations should aspire to uphold - of diversity, of equality, of tolerance, and perhaps, of pride. 

martin.carter@gayleeds.com

Image from Leeds Pride photos here on GayLeeds