London’s Alternative Pride Guide 2022
With pride month here for another year, we’ve rounded up some slightly different events to show off the broad diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community that goes beyond the typical pride parade or trip to G-A-Y.
Pride is a Protest
When most people think of pride month, they think of huge celebrations, Pride in London style. But the origins of London’s pride parades stem from the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights growing in the 1970s.
In fact, this year marks 50 years since the first pride march in the UK, led by the Gay Liberation Front in 1972. That’s why veterans of the original march will be leading an alternative protest on the 1st of July, the day before the Pride in London parade, to provide a chance to mark the movement's roots and continue fighting for issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community across the globe.
The march will be starting from St Martins-in-the Field church, Trafalgar Square and following the original route to Hyde Park.
Redefining Sexy
If you are looking for a night out this pride month, and fancy getting a taste for drag that doesn’t stick to the narrow Drag Race mould (no drag brunches here!) then there’s little better than WOOF.
Hosted by drag king excellence CHIYO, WOOF takes to the Royal Vauxhall Taven on the 29th of June for their pride month special with a hand-picked lineup of neo Drag and Draglesque performances.
Find out more and book tickets here: https://www.vauxhalltavern.com/events/event/woof/
For the Misfits
Speaking of the Tavern, performance nigh Duckie has been a regular feature at the venue for the past 27 years but announced it will soon be closing its ever eclectic doors for the time being.
But, before Duckie starts its next chapter, they’ll be having a big farewell bash on July 2nd. Their annual “Gay Shame" pride party - this year the tongue-in-cheek “Straight Pride” - will be its usual (or maybe unusual) mix of punk, alternative, and quite frankly bizarre acts, and a world away from the regular selection of Soho clubs.
Find out more and book tickets for ‘Straight Pride’ here: https://duckie.co.uk/events/straight-pride
Get Your Dancing Shoes On
But pride month isn’t all about bars and clubs - there’s plenty on offer for celebrating without a drink too.
If you’re still looking to strut your stuff, or are looking for opportunities to celebrate for all ages, then Hackney-based Adore Dance are offering a ‘dress up for pride’ week across their dance classes. They have classes for everyone from Ballet and Jazz, to Musical Theatre and Commercial dance.
Plus, they’ll be encouraging donations to LGBT+ charities, and matching contributions made through the week.
See their full range of classes here: https://www.adoredance.london/
Explore Queer Lit
The Glasshouse features a number of queer spaces, including the Common Press - London’s intersectional bookshop and cafe. Bookshops have long been central to the LGBTQIA+ community (think Gay’s the Word and Housemans) and the cafe at the Common Press offers a much needed sober space to meet others and find your next queer read.
The space runs regular events, including book clubs and performance nights, and focuses on bringing greater diversity to LGBT+ community, championing the voices of people of colour and marginalised groups.
The Common Press is located just off Brick Lane in Shoreditch. Find out more here: https://glasshouse.london/The-Common-Press-1
