Why We Still Need To March — And Why Now Matters More Than Ever

Every year, someone asks the same question: “Do we still need Pride?”   And every year, the world answers for us.

When national magazines publish pieces calling Pride a “tyranny,” when councils in England move to restrict or ban Pride marches, when LGBTQIA+ people are told to “keep it quiet,” “tone it down,” or “stay out of politics,” it becomes painfully clear: yes, we still need Pride.   Not less. More.

Because visibility isn’t a luxury — it’s protection. Because rights aren’t permanent — they’re maintained by people showing up. Because silence has never kept us safe.

Why “More Than Ever” Isn’t Just a Slogan

Across the UK and beyond, we’re seeing a rise in anti‑LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, policy rollbacks, and attempts to push queer people back into the margins. This isn’t abstract — it’s happening right now.

• Pride marches being restricted or banned   When local authorities try to stop LGBTQIA+ people from gathering peacefully, it’s not about “traffic management.” It’s about erasing visibility.

• Hostile commentary in national media   Articles framing Pride as dangerous, divisive, or oppressive aren’t harmless opinion pieces. They fuel stigma, embolden hate, and make life harder for queer people — especially in rural areas where isolation is already real.

• A political climate that treats LGBTQIA+ rights as negotiable   Hard‑won protections are being questioned again. The idea that equality is “going too far” is creeping back into mainstream debate.

This is why Pride still matters. This is why Pride must be seen. This is why Pride must be loud.

We Cannot Go Back to Section 28

For anyone who thinks the fight is over, remember this: Section 28 was repealed only 20 years ago in Scotland.   That’s not ancient history — that’s yesterday.

Section 28 banned local authorities and schools from “promoting homosexuality.” In practice, it meant:

• Teachers were terrified to support LGBTQIA+ pupils

• Young people grew up believing something was wrong with them

• Bullying went unchallenged

• Queer lives were erased from classrooms, libraries, and youth work

• Entire generations were taught shame instead of pride

And the most important part: It didn’t disappear because the government suddenly changed its mind.   It disappeared because people marched, organised, protested, and refused to be silent.

When we see modern attempts to restrict Pride marches, silence LGBTQIA+ education, or frame queer visibility as “dangerous,” it echoes Section 28 far too closely. We know what happens when we’re pushed out of public life. We know what happens when young people are told they can’t be spoken about. We know what happens when fear replaces understanding.

We cannot — and will not — go back.

Remember What We Fought For — And What We Could Lose

None of our rights appeared out of thin air. They were fought for — often by people who risked their jobs, their safety, and their freedom.

• Decriminalisation of homosexuality (1967 in England & Wales; 1980 in Scotland)   Within living memory, being gay was a crime.

• Civil partnerships (2004)   The first legal recognition of same‑sex relationships.

• Equal marriage (2014 in Scotland)   A right that was debated, resisted, and nearly blocked.

• Protection from discrimination   In workplaces, schools, housing, and public life — protections that activists fought tooth and nail to secure.

Every one of these rights was won because LGBTQIA+ people and allies marched, organised, protested, and refused to disappear.

Pride has always been a protest. Pride has always been a celebration. Pride has always been a promise: we will not go back.

Why We Need YOU — Yes, You — To March

Whether you’re LGBTQIA+ or an ally, this is your moment.

If you’ve ever said “I support you,” If you’ve ever told a young person “you’re safe with me,” If you’ve ever believed that equality should be for everyone — now is the time to show it.

Because when you march:

• You make LGBTQIA+ people in rural communities feel seen

• You show young people that they are not alone

• You push back against the narrative that we should shrink ourselves

• You remind the world that equality is not optional

• You help protect the rights we fought for — and the rights we still need

Pride is joy. Pride is resistance. Pride is community. Pride is a lifeline.

And right now, when the world is trying to push us back into the shadows, your presence matters more than ever.

So Come March With Us on June 28th 1pm Cameron Square - Fort William

Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your flags, your laughter, your stubborn hope.

Whether you’re LGBTQIA+ or an ally, this is your time. Stand with us. Walk with us. Be seen with us.

Because Pride isn’t just a day. It’s a declaration: We are here. We belong. And we’re not going anywhere.