East London is not a Gay-Free Zone
East London working together – Gays & Muslims unite! Fight all hate
East London LGBT Pride
1pm Saturday 24 September 2011
Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA.
Pride March leaves at 2pm and goes to Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG, for a Pride Festival from 3-7pm.
More info: www.eastlondonpride.org.uk
“This event is a celebration of the huge contribution that LGBT people make to the East London communities. We add to the richness and diversity of East London life,” said Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, which is urging people to support East London Pride.
“The organisers of East London Pride have chosen to not address the Gay-Free Zone controversy, not march through the E1 area and to not stress the need for LGBT-Muslim solidarity. They fear this would stir local division. They might be right. I respect their decision.
“My quotes here do not reflect those of the East London Pride committee. They are my personal views. The official East London Pride perspective is copied below and can be seen on their website: www.eastlondonpride.org.uk
“Given the recent controversies, I believe it is very important that we reach out to the Muslim community in East London – and unite with them against Islamophobia and homophobia. Making local alliances and coalitions is the best way to conquer hate and division.
“I wish leading Muslim organisations – like the Muslim Council of Britain and the East London Mosque – had been invited to speak at the post-march festival. Since they’ve declared their opposition to homophobia, they should be invited. If these organisations and the Muslim Mayor of Tower Hamlets attended, it would send a strong, positive signal locally. Their involvement would be a powerful statement against both homophobia and anti-Muslim prejudice. It would build bridges.
“Although I proposed these invitations to the East London Pride organisers many weeks ago, they have not responded to confirm whether such invitations were sent. Whatever their decision on this issue, I respect it. East London Pride is their event, so it is up to them to decide who they invite to participate and speak.
“Despite these differing perspectives, I strongly support East London Pride and urge others to support it too.
“I will be marching with a placard reading: ‘Gays & Muslims UNITE! Fight all hate’.
“Our visible presence in East London, with a message of unity and solidarity, is the best riposte to the homophobes, fascists and fundamentalists. We oppose all hate-mongers – the BNP, EDL and far right Islamists like Muslims Against Crusades and Hizb ut-Tahrir. Let’s show the bigots that East London is not, and never will be, a Gay-Free Zone. Support East London Pride,” said Mr Tatchell.
Further information:
Peter Tatchell 0207 403 1790
[email protected]
www.petertatchellfoundation.org
Here’s the news release from the East London Pride organisers:
East London Pride
Celebrating LGBTQ Life in Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge and Waltham Forest
On 24 September, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in East London celebrate our diverse lives and oppose homophobia, transphobia, sexism and racism, including islamophobia and antisemitism. If you share our values then join us! Everyone is welcome: people of all genders and all ethnic groups, people of all ages, and people of faith and none.
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Opening Event/Parade – Hackney Town Hall Square.
Assemble 12.30pm, event starts 1pm. Parade leaves at 2pm.
Hackney Central station. Buses: 26, 38, 48, 55, D6,106, 254, 276, 394
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Pride Festival – Oxford House, Bethnal Green
3-7pm. Oxford House, Derbyshire St., E2 6HG.
Station: Bethnal Green. Buses: 8, 388, D3
Join us for a Pride Festival reflecting the diversity of interests and cultures within our communities. From dance to debate, politics to poetry, cabaret to a community marketplace, there’s something for everyone!
Enjoy entertainment including Jo Purvis on the decks, Roz Kaveney poet-extraordinaire, MoMo Morrocan music group, & cabaret.
Participate in open discussions exposing trans stereotypes, the effect of cuts to LGBTQ services, and community relations issues.
Explore the Community Marketplace showcasing local services, community organisations and LGBTQ rights campaigns.
Meet people in the café, bar and chill out zone. Older and younger LGBTQ people, and families, particularly welcomed.
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Full details of entertainment and workshops will be updated online at www.eastlondonpride.org.uk and on our facebook page.
Oxford House is a fully accessible, public venue.
We invite community groups, venues and organisations serving LGBT people in East London to participate in the Community Marketplace. Email: [email protected]
To register your support or for more information contact: [email protected]
Or visit our website: www.eastlondonpride.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you on the 24 September!