Russia, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt and Ghana will feature at the front of the parade – Nigerian born Londoner Bisi Alimi will carry the England flag.
In a display of solidarity for LGBT+people worldwide, over 200 international flag bearers will lead the Pride in London Parade this Saturday, June 27.
Representatives from countries including Russia, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt and Ghana will be featured at the front of the procession to send a strong message of solidarity and support to those who still face oppression and lack of freedom in countries around the world.
Nigerian born Bisi Alimi, 40, who lives in Southwark, London will be carrying the England flag.
Bisi said: “It’s an honour to carry the English flag – it represents a place where I feel safe and a country which I now call my home. It makes such a powerful political statement to be from Nigeria – where same-sex relationships are criminalised – but to carry the flag of the country where I am an immigrant and am accepted and welcomed as myself.”
Sonya Woodruff, who is half Russian, half American born and lives in Wimbledon will be carrying the Russian flag.
Sonya said: “I’m half American, and half Russian but have always grown up in a very Western society. As a bisexual it’s shocking to me to know that if I had grown up in Russia, I would not be accepted for who I am.”
At the forefront of the procession, and flying the Union Jack, will be 17 year old ally and student Sasha from North London, who set up the first LGBT+ support group at her school.
Sasha said: “Since becoming aware of the daily struggles that so many LGBT+ people face, including some of my friends at school, I have been dedicated to helping eradicate this discrimination. I want to be as involved as possible in the promotion of equality for all, and it is an honour to lead the flagbearers in this year’s Pride Parade.”
Sasha cites the relationship between characters Kurt and Blaine on the hit television show Glee as inspiring her commitment to campaigning for LGBT+ rights and acceptance, saying it “broke [her] heart whenever they faced hate or discrimination.”
The theme of this year’s Pride Parade is Pride Heroes celebrating individuals who have contributed to LGBT+ rights over the years.
Participants and members of London’s LGBT+ community, including its straight allies, are being asked to nominate their own Pride Heroes, from the famous to the unsung, and to share their suggestions via the hashtag #PrideHeroes.
#PrideHeroes follows the success of last year’s award-winning #FreedomTo campaign, which ran across social, digital, OOH and PR channels.
This year’s over 250 community groups, charities, businesses and organisations have signed up to take part in the parade – 20% of them new to Pride this year.
Pride in London is a week-long festival from 20th to 28th June, celebrating all aspects of the LGBT+ community and is one of the city’s biggest one-day events, second only to the London Marathon.
The Parade leaves Baker Street at 1pm and will end up at Whitehall at approximately 4.30pm.
For details of the Pride route, click here:
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