Pride organisations in Manchester have issued a stark reminder of the importance of Pride after a council leader in Merseyside withdrew all support for Pride events in his borough. Dr George Woodward, the Reform UK leader for St Helens Borough Council, announced he had cut all financial support for local Pride events, stating he no longer considered 'celebrations of sexuality' an appropriate use of resources. He also expressed concern that Pride has become affiliated with 'harmful transgender ideology'.
Manchester Groups Respond
Following the statement on Tuesday (June 9), organisers of Manchester Village Pride and Sparkle, the national transgender charity that hosts Sparkle Weekend in Manchester, spoke out. Dr Carl Austin-Behan from Manchester Village Pride said the decision served as a 'stark reminder' of how hard-won rights 'can be challenged'. He emphasised that Pride is not simply a celebration of sexuality, but a celebration of identity, community, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality. He noted that hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people remain at concerning levels, making events like Pride more important than ever.
Josh Houghton from Sparkle expressed disappointment over cuts to Pride events outside Manchester, stating that misinformation has painted trans and gender diverse people as something to fear. They stressed that Pride exists because LGBTQ+ people, including trans community members, have fought for the right to exist openly. Houghton added that while progress has been made, the fight is not over, and the UK seems to be going backwards in some ways.
Solidarity and Support
Dr Austin-Behan expressed solidarity with those in St Helens affected by the funding cuts, noting that he is proud to live in a city with a strong track record on LGBTQ+ equality. Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, stated that Manchester has always supported Pride, even when others did not. He acknowledged that acceptance and rights are not universally supported.
Last year, the annual Manchester Pride event entered into administration, but this year a new group of local leaders and venues have taken over, aiming to bring the event back into community hands. Dr Austin-Behan promised that this year's festival, taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, will be a powerful reminder of why Pride exists. He highlighted Manchester's history as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the UK and its internationally recognised Gay Village.
Houghton concluded: 'Pride has never historically relied on permission, but it is fuelled by solidarity and resilience. LGBTQ+ people will exist everywhere, including St Helens, whether funding is cut from Pride or not.'
