Lead Pic: Pedal People and Sussex GLF, courtesy of Elly Hargreave
Brighton & Hove Pride in 2023 was certainly memorable, and not just for the atrocious weather. The first ‘Gay Pride’ here took place in 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front. Fifty years later, members of the group were at the front of the Pride parade and lead it through the city to Preston Park.
When people gather on Hove Lawns before the parade takes off, it is usually a joyous occasion full of laughter and squeals of excitement. Unfortunately, this year the squeals were in response to the unwelcome cold wind and lashing rain. Despite the weather and lack of trains on the day, the Sussex GLF veterans assembled having travelled from as far as America, Yorkshire, London and Sussex to be there.
Two local charities, Pedal People and Cycling without Age, provided the transport for the group: trishaws or reverse cycle rickshaws with the passengers at the front. As Elly Hargreave from Pedal People said: “Our cycles put people literally front and centre back into the heart of their communities.”
Thankfully there were free rain ponchos and some dedicated Pride goers doing their best to keep spirits up. The Sussex GLF are hardy souls and they waited patiently for the parade to move off. Everyone was grateful when it started about 15 minutes before time.
Once the parade turned up West Street there was some protection from the weather. We were greeted with smiles, waves, and applause from the crowds as we snaked our way through the streets. Once the parade reached the park, the veterans were shown into a blue tented booth facing the main stage set aside for them by the Pride organisers. This was a godsend for keeping out of the wind and rain which returned on and off throughout the afternoon.
The Sussex GLF was formed in 1971 and lasted for about five years. They started Pride in 1973 and set up Gay Switchboard in 1975. Apart from a couple of boyfriends, everyone in the trishaws were involved with the group at some point. I won’t name names, but I know emotions were running high for some as they were pedalled through the crowds, and one or two tears may have been shed.
David Maplesden, who’d travelled from the US with his partner Floyd, and was on the Pride march in July 1973, described it as “the event of a lifetime.”
Di Monteath-Wilson, who was the first chair of the group, said: “It was an incredible experience, and I couldn’t believe the gratitude expressed by so many people, overwhelming. The VIP hospitality was also amazing.”
Second chair of the group, Gail Smith, described it as “an incredible event. Both exciting and humbling“, as well as “a day I’ll always remember!”
Despite the reduced turnout caused by challenging weather and transport issues, Brighton & Hove definitely showed up to commemorate and thank the queer pioneers of the Sussex Gay Liberation Front for their brave actions in the 1970s.
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