Pride is, and always will be, a protest.
Four years ago, outside the Two Brewers in Clapham, I found myself in the middle of a homophobic attack.
Two young men standing next to me were assaulted by a woman simply for kissing.
Like anyone witnessing a hate crime, I intervened. Unfortunately, I then bore the brunt of a physical attack from her friend, who knocked me to the ground while shouting homophobic slurs.
The staff at
@2BrewersClapham were brilliant. They intervened immediately and the police arrested those responsible.
Four years later, having heard very little from the police, I received the email that has become all too familiar to many victims: no further action.
So yes, Pride is a celebration. But when people are still being attacked for who they are, and when victims are left without justice, it remains a protest too.