This past weekend saw the Reclaim Pride protest hit the streets of Brighton, opposing its current structure.
Lasting throughout the day of Saturday 7th August, the protest began at 11am, with crowds gathering at The Level in Brighton city centre.
The march then followed from The Level to London Road before proceeding towards Old Steine.
From there, it continued down to Brighton Station, onto Trafalgar Square and then finish back at The Level where it began.
Organisers of the event claimed that the reason behind the event was to protest the corporate themes that had affected the current pride parade, with businesses, officials and other financial benefactors, turning a celebration of personal freedoms into a sham.
There was a request that police officers, seen as opposing ‘queer liberation’, should not turn up, however there were numbers of police in attendance at the march.
Before the protest took place, Reclaim Pride Brighton published a clear statement to outline the guidelines regarding protest tips that would help outline expectations of all those participating in the planned demonstration.
It remarked that “Police will likely be present despite our best wishes. We shall not have this deter, divide or intimidate us.
“Use signs, umbrellas and flags to block their surveillance cameras.
“The streets are our voice. We take up the space. At the same time, we keep each other close, especially our more vulnerable protestors.
“We must make sure our actions do not endanger others or impair their accessibility.
“Do not talk to the police, especially their blue bibbed officers: they are there to gather intelligence on you. You do not have to give any personal details.
“But most importantly. Have fun. Be loud. Be ungovernable.
There was not believed to be any disruption caused by the event, with protestors having not exhibited any behaviour that was deemed necessary of police interference.
Photo Credit: Norbu Gyachung
