Brighton Pride

Down to Brighton yesterday for Brighton Pride, which I never miss. The theme this year was 'the sea' and lots of suitably dressed sailors, seadogs etc. The Green Party had a float of a ship with Caroline Lucas as captain and all the men dressed as mermaids and the women as sailors. I met several of the watery crew later at the Green Party stall in Preston Park. Unfortunately the weather turned nasty in the afternoon and there was a veritable downpour. I ended up sheltering under a tree with friends at one point but the soggy weather was too much and I beat a retreat to the cabaret tent, where I always find top class entertainment. Some of the best performers there also peform regularly at the Vauxhall Tavern in Vauxhall, which is probably one of the best venues in London for alternative comedy and cabaret and is certainly the best for queer comedy. One of my favourite acts, 'Topping and Butch' were on stage in the cabaret tent entertaining us with their always up to date satirical songs on leading fashionistas and politicians. Also saw the indefatigable Peter Tatchell handing out leaflets in the park - apparently he and Caroline Lucas had spoken at a very successful public meeting the night before on 'Forty Years after Stonewall'.

Later went for an interesting chat about LGBT politics with Phelim Mc Cafferty, one of the Green Party's two Spokespersons on LGBTIQ issues and Nick, who works for the anti-homophobic crime section of the Council with the police. We discussed the possible outcome of the general election and how that will impact on equalities issues and LGBT rights in particular. The pub we were in was due for a visit from the LGBT Labour Group, but my partner and I had to get back to London. One of the problems for Londoners attending Pride is the chaos at Brighton station with the later trains, which can make the journey home a real nightmare. Last year we had trains so overpacked that police were pulling people out of the carriages. It should not be beyond the ability of the rail company to lay on extra trains for Pride and especially later ones.

Going down in the train with a group of Spanish gays and their friends sitting opposite, it was classic to see the Daily Telegraph reader behind casting horrified glances in their direction. Not only gays but foreign ones to boot! This is what I like about Brighton Pride - international, progressive, and open. And a chance for the LGBT community in Brighton to really strut their stuff. Long may it continue.