This June sees the return of Pride Month in Barking and Dagenham and we will once again take part in Pride in London – 50 years after the first LGBTQ+ parade took place in the capital.



This year marks the return of Pride in London on Saturday 2 July, after the parade was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.



It will be the fifth time Barking and Dagenham has taken part in the extravaganza, which draws thousands of people from across the country to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.



The rainbow flag will be raised at a special ceremony on Monday 6 June at 10am, outside Barking Town Hall to mark international Pride Month and will fly for the rest of the month.



Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, said: “We’re delighted that Pride in London is back and that we are there taking part and standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. 



“Everyone has a right to feel safe and respected, and live happy and fulfilling lives. Our borough has a proud history of standing up against prejudice, and we are honoured to be able to show our continued support for equality.”



The first Pride march was held in 1972 when hundreds of LGBTQ+ people and their allies descended on the capital to protest against deep-rooted discrimination and ill treatment the community faced.



This year marks the return of Pride in London after the parade was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.