1 July 1972: Britain's first Gay Pride march is held
On this day in 1972, the Gay Liberation Front organised Britain's first Gay Pride march from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park.
If you live in London, this year's 'Pride', held on Saturday 27 June, would have been hard to miss. Corporate sponsors were falling over themselves to attach rainbows to their logos. Adverts lined tube escalators proudly declaring this or that company's sponsorship of the event. Media coverage was extensive.
But on this day in 1972, the Gay Liberation Front organised a Gay Pride march from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park. Around 700 people turned up, and, despite being "swamped by a very heavy, aggressive police presence", according to Peter Tatchell, marched through the streets and had a picnic in the park.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The date was chosen because it was the nearest Saturday to 28 June, the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, sparked when police stormed the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar.
Since then, Pride London, as it is currently called (London Pride' having already been taken) has ballooned into a huge party with 750,000 people. And there are now some 40 separate Pride' events across the UK.
It's big business, too. The organisers get £100,000 of public funding, but corporate sponsorship makes up the rest £600,000 this year. And it's not just out of the goodness of their hearts. The Pink Pound' both its spending power and the propensity to shun companies seen as not queer-friendly is worth something in the region of £70bn-£80bn, according to Retail Week.
Also on this day
1 July 1874: the first commercial typewriter goes on sale
-
The UK areas which saw biggest jump in asking prices in 2025 – is yours on the list?We look at the UK areas where asking prices rose the most last year.
-
‘Sandwich generation’ carers losing £6,000 a year to support elderly relativesMiddle-aged adults are often caught between caring for children or grandchildren and their elderly parents, leaving them taking time out of the workforce and facing a huge hit to wages while they are still trying to save for retirement. We look at the true cost of caring.
