09-06-2025
Looking back on Cumbria Pride as we celebrate LGBTQ culture
June is Pride Month, and we're remembering how we've celebrated the LGBTQ community, especially at the county's flagship event, Cumbria Pride.
Paul Cole, left, chairman of Proud Sainsbury's and regional Pride Group with staff from Sainsbury's in Carlisle city centre (Image: Paula Thanner) The month commemorates the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) culture and community and coincides with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests.
Jamie Davidson, 16, and Sarah Purkis, 16, from Stanwix at Cumbria Pride (Image: Newsquest) The first Pride marches were held in four US cities in June 1970, a year after the riots at the Stonewall Inn. The New York City march, promoted as 'Christopher Street Liberation Day', alongside the parallel marches in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, marked a watershed moment for LGBT rights.
The crowd enjoys live music and acts in Carlisle city centre in 2016 (Image: Newsquest) An organiser of some of the first marches named Fred Sargeant stated the goal was to commemorate the Stonewall riots and further push for liberation. He noted that while the first marches were more akin to a protest than a celebration, they helped to remind people of LGBT communities and how they may include one's family and friends.
Matthew Pagan performing at Cumbria Pride (Image: Newsquest) Transgender women and people of colour, including Marsha P Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie, were largely excluded or silenced during the early marches, despite their prominent participation in the initial riots.
Phoebe Robinson, five, and Sebastian Robinson, two, from Currock at Cumbria Pride (Image: Newsquest) Following the Stonewall riots and the first Pride marches, the number of LGBT groups rapidly increased, and the Pride movement spread across the United States after a few years. While many Pride celebrations around the world are held in June, some cities vary the observation at different times, partially due to local weather conditions.
Lisa Hart as Madonna performs at Cumbria Pride (Image: Newsquest) Polyamory Pride Day is celebrated every year on a day in Pride Month.
Mike Story and daughter Olivia, 12, from Currock (Image: Newsquest) Cumbria Pride aims to bring the community together with Pride events that celebrate diversity, inclusion, love and unity, with musical performances, inspirational speakers, and a wide range of stalls. The celebration is held each year in Carlisle in September.
Glenn Anderson, chairman of Cumbria Pride, outside LGBT headquarters at Fisher Street, Carlisle (Image: Newsquest)
