To millions,I’m the policeman who popped the question at final year’s parade in London. But to many more I’m an abomination – and that’s why Pride is still vitalPhil Adlem is a volunteer speaker for an LGBT charity, former frontline worker with homeless youth and police officer in the Metropolitan policeThe nature of social media means that everything these days is constantly up for scrutiny and criticism from anyone. Almost everything receives this treatment, and Pride is no exception. Aside from homophobic rants,one opinion that I have noticed gain some popularity is that Pride and LGBT groups are not only unnecessary, but serve to further divide the gay community from everyone else. This is generally coupled with an opinion along the lines of “No one cares whether you’re gay, and it’s not a big deal any more”. Some have taken it a step further and called for a separate “Straight Pride” in the name of total equality.
The assumption that all is well for the gay community was seemingly supported by a video of me proposing to my partner during London Pride final year. All the media giants in the UK presented this video online as a positive story regardless of their political leaning. A clear sign of the changed times.
Pride is an invaluable source of positivity and strength for anyone who has experienced abuse or bullying Related: Let’s acknowledge Chechen brutality with a global rebellion against homophobia | Owen Jones Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com