"Why do we still need Pride?"

"Why isn't there a straight Pride?"

These are two questions I regularly see being asked on social media during Pride Month, which is celebrated each June.

You might be under the impression that as it's 2022, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality has been won. Sadly, that is not the case. 

Oslo Pride was cancelled following a shooting on the night of June 24 - two people were killed and at least 10 were wounded.

According to Human Dignity Trust, there are 70 jurisdictions that criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity - all of them criminalise men and 43 criminalise women.

There are 11 jurisdictions in which the death penalty is imposed or is at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity.

15 jurisdictions criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people.

You might then ask, well, why do we need Pride in the UK - surely we've reached a stage where it's become redundant?

Putting aside the fact that Pride isn't just about the fight for equality at home - and that it's not only a celebration but a reminder of how hard the battle has been and what more needs to be done - things are not all rosy for LGBTQ+ people locally.

Last week we reported how hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community continue to rise year on year. And nationally, over the past five years, those crimes against people in both the same categories have been dramatically increasing year on year, with the number more than doubling since 2015/2016.

For the same article, reporter Lewis Finney spoke to Bolton Pride Associate Director Rob Wright and he encouraged local LGBTQ+ to work with and place their trust in police so that together we can work towards a safer world for our community.

Mr Wright also excellent described what Pride is for: “It’s about raising awareness, education, working together collaboratively and in unity. It’s about tomorrow’s world."

But the ongoing battle for a better world can't just be fought by those in the LGBTQ+ community - we all need to come together and show our support.

That's why I'm writing to you, not only as Editor of The Bolton News but also as an openly gay man, to urge you to come out and show your support in person by attending this year's Bolton Pride (August 5 to 7).

It's an opportunity for us to all stand side-by-side and present a united front, to show the bigots they won't stop us from being who we are or take away the rights of our family members, friends, and neighbours.

I know from personal experience that without the support of my family and friends - the majority of whom are straight - I would have struggled to be open about my sexuality and live an authentic life.

So please, if you are able to attend this year's Bolton pride, I would encourage you to do so - it's set to be bigger and better than ever.