'Edinburgh Pride is needed more than ever - things have regressed'

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Thousands are set to take to the streets for Pride Edinburgh, and the team behind the event believe it could be 'needed now more than ever'.
Jamie Love, marketing director for the event, met with Edinburgh Live ahead of the march on Saturday, June 21. With setup underway, and the Pride Village donned with a rainbow dancefloor, Jamie reminded us that people gather for 'more than just a party'.
Jamie, who was victim to 'shocking' homophobic abuse on a train recently, feels things may be regressing for the LGBT+ community. Speaking to Edinburgh Live on Friday, he said: "I think we need it this year more than our previous few years.
"We all know like there's been so many changes within legislation and government and this year more than ever, I think they've regressed, a lot. There's an activist spirit, you can really feel it in in comparison to other years.
"I think transphobia, homophobia is probably the highest it's been in quite a while. It creates an environment where people are afraid."
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Speaking on the reasons behind pride events around the world, Jamie continued: "The main reason really why pride exists is to better the lives of LGBT people and ensure that they have equal rights, and equal opportunities, and can live happily. I grew up in the Middle East, where it's illegal to be gay. I love going back for a holiday, but I couldn't live there. It was weird being a teenager and being the only gay in the desert sort of thing."
While some question whether pride events are 'party or protest', Jamie feels the Edinburgh event combines both. He added: "There's definitely certain prides that are just a party, but I think with us being in Edinburgh - the march literally starts at parliament. We'll always be a very political movement, it'll always be a protest and have an activist spirit behind it.
"The event's for everyone. I would always encourage anyone to come along, and that's the amazing thing, when you stand on stage and you look out to the crowd, it's awesome.
(Image: Edinburgh Live)
"You have the kind of younger teams right at the front, you've the young professionals in the middle and then families at the back - people bring their grandparents and everything. It's such a nice, community inclusive event.
"That's the unique thing about Pride Edinburgh, which you don't get at other prides of this scale, is that at its core it's still very much a community event."
Jamie was on his way home from receiving an inclusivity award in Glasgow on May 31 when an incident occurred, which gives insight into the ongoing need for pride events. Jamie says a man began touching his hair and irritating his colleagues, before the behaviour soon escalated when the man repeatedly called him a "f****t".
Jamie said: "The most jarring part is the irony - being recognised for creating safer spaces and driving inclusion, only to be targeted for who I am hours later. It's a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go. No one should have to experience hate for simply existing.
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"I've never been in a position where I've had to call the police so it's quite sad. The guy got on as three of us were sat at a table but the train was packed.
"He got on and immediately went to touch my hair. I said please don't touch me and his friend was trying to push him away. He then started getting aggressive, it was chaos.
"That's when the slurs started and he started picking on a colleague of mine. It's weird going from a diversity awards night to that in a matter of hours. It's quite shocking."
Ahead of Saturday's event, Council Leader Jane Meagher said: "Once again, all the colours of the rainbow will paint our city for Pride.
"With the sun set to shine, this weekend's march is set to be a fantastic celebration of inclusivity and respect and we'll be flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers to show our solidarity. It's likely to be busy in the city centre with some road closures in place at times, so please do plan ahead if you're joining in the march and have a great, safe day out."

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