Campaigning for genuine equality at Leeds Pride

Thousands gathered in Leeds on Sunday 3 August for the city’s annual LGBT Pride march. As with previous years there was a strong presence from trade unions and other activists.

A large contingent of the march celebrated the steps forward in equality that gay marriage represented when introduced in March this year.

There was also solid representation from campaigners for further development of equal marriage rights such as equal availability of civil partnerships but especially the removal of the ‘spousal veto clause’.

This element of the Tories’ same sex marriage legislation forces trans individuals to essentially get permission from their partner before they are able to gain a Gender Recognition Certificate (a document that would allow them to be legally recognised as their correct gender).

Campaigners to stop the deportation of Orashia Edwards to Jamaica were also present. In Jamaica he would face persecution as a bisexual. At present his case is awaiting judicial review of the ludicrous decision that he was being ‘dishonest’ about his sexuality.

The Socialist Party also had a strong presence at Pride again this year campaigning for LGBTQ equality. Our campaign for a minimum wage of £10 an hour picked up a strong echo.

People recognised that the ‘pink pound’, the idea that LGBT people, having fewer family ties, have more disposable income and better lifestyles, is a myth that can’t possibly last in the face of job cuts, wage cuts and zero-hour contracts.

Michael Johnson, Leeds Socialist Party