Love Pride but hate big parades? These places are doing it differently
Love Pride but hate big parades – This year, Cleckheaton hosts its third Pride event, with organizer Dione Frost describing it as the most successful so far. Yet, despite its growth, the town’s Pride remains modest compared to larger urban celebrations in cities like London, Manchester, or Brighton. While the broader Pride movement faces uncertainty, with some events canceled or scaled down, smaller, community-driven gatherings are gaining traction across the UK.
A Safe Space for Self-Expression
At Cleckheaton’s Pride, the atmosphere is vibrant but intimate. The Loft bar, a central hub for the event, is adorned with a rainbow balloon arch, welcoming attendees to a lively celebration. Drag performers, including Coby Mayman—stage name Kylie Kush—bring energy to the crowd, with Christina Aguilera’s “Lady Marmalade” echoing through the venue. Mayman recounts an incident where a taxi driver initially hesitated to pick him up, citing his makeup as a reason. “He asked if the cab was for my boy name, and when I said yes, he just drove off,” he shares.
“It reminds me why visibility is important, especially in smaller towns like this. It gives people a chance to see there are others just like them,” Mayman says.
Alternative Celebrations Across the UK
Later that week, in Glasgow, a group of around 25 people gathered at Queen’s Park for a “queer ecology tour.” Led by insect scientist Connor Butler, the event blends nature walks with opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect in a quieter setting. Butler’s idea emerged in 2023 after he found himself at London Pride while commuting to work, dressed in “gross bird-feeding clothes” and covered in bird droppings. “I don’t like crowds or clubs, so I felt completely out of place,” he recalls.
Butler now guides small groups through green spaces, teaching them to identify insects with tools like nets and hand lenses. Attendees are surprised by the diversity of life hidden in urban parks, and the discussions often shift to the parallels between nature and LGBTQ+ identity. For example, he highlights how same-sex pairings in Western gulls sparked controversy in the 1970s, leading to debates about funding and acceptance.
Outdoor Gatherings as a Counterpoint
In Salford, a picnic-style Pride event offers a relaxed alternative to traditional parades. Here, the focus is on community and connection rather than large-scale displays. Jodie Hudson, who attended from nearby Osset, expresses concern over recent decisions by Reform-led councils to withdraw support from Pride events and stop flying Pride flags. “If the council can save money by not supporting Pride, that’s not a problem for me,” she says. “But not flying the flags feels like a loss. If spaces like The Loft can display them independently, that’s perfect.”
“It gives people like me a place to be themselves,” Hudson adds.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, Beatrice Thirkettle highlights the value of the ecology tour. “It’s about showing LGBTQ+ people that the outdoors are for you,” she explains. Hannah Eaton, a wheelchair user, agrees, emphasizing the comfort of meeting others in a non-traditional setting. “It’s a nice chance to connect without the noise of music or alcohol,” she says.
Reform and the Future of Pride
Cleckheaton’s Kirklees Council, currently led by a Reform majority, has not yet elected a leader. While it still backs some Pride events, the ongoing debate about council support has left some attendees uncertain about the movement’s future in the area. Despite this, the smaller events continue to thrive, offering a unique blend of celebration, education, and belonging that resonates with those seeking alternatives to mainstream Pride parades.
