The events of the last few days - our full statement

“The events of the last few days have revealed to anyone paying attention that Pride in London’s problems run deep,” a UK Black Pride spokesperson toldThe Independent.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pride-racism-lgbt-investigation-b1819608.html

Read our full statement provided to The Independent:

“UK Black Pride is not affiliated with Pride in London and so we cannot comment on whether the organisation and its leadership are committed to fixing the problems that have been flagged by segments of the LGBTQ community for years, including by its own community advisory board. The events of the last few days have revealed to anyone paying attention that Pride in London's problems run deep.

"We know personally of Pride in London's disregard and disrespect of Black people and people of colour because of how they've treated UK Black Pride and the volunteers within it. They've treated us with obvious and open contempt. The current leadership of Pride in London have a history of making disparaging comments about Lady Phyll and they have actively worked against us in the delivery of our annual events.

"The problem is bigger than Pride in London. Since our inception in 2005, every single leader of London's flagship pride celebration has stood in our way and told us we are unnecessary and divisive. So while we stand by those calling for a leadership change and an investigation by the Mayor's office, we also know that unless the issues raised, over and over again, are meaningfully dealt with and with the seriousness these allegations deserve, we will continue to bear witness to a pride celebration that marginalises large swathes of our communities without consequence.

“Racism has no place in the LGBTQ community, though we know it is a persistent problem that shows no signs of being redressed by those who perpetrate it anytime soon. We are always heartbroken to hear when someone in our community is mistreated and tokenised, and we commend all who speak up against racism and who shine a light on disingenuous claims about change.

“Change is not easy, but one must have a desire to change in the first place.”