Proud Of Pride?

Reading's annual Gay Pride took place on Saturday, with a march through the town, followed by an event held on King's Meadow.

'Hundreds' participated in the march, while organisers said they expected as many as 15,000 to attend the day-long festivities.

Initial reports that the National Front would mount a counter-demonstration in protest at the display of flamboyant sexuality were neutered when NF spokesman Tom Linden conceded that their efforts would be "best employed with a national demonstration at the London Gay Pride event".

Royal Berkshire Hospital demonstrated their solidarity with the cause of sexual liberation by raising the rainbow flag, making it clear that there is a strong commitment to equality and diversity across the town.

Reading Pride spokesman Jamie Wake said, "Reading Pride believes in equality, diversity and freedom of expression from all groups in society," explaining that "we value all opinions both culturally and politically."

In a supreme example of 'love-bombing' he expressed support for open dialogue across society in the hope that all sides could learn from each other, adding that "there is still a war against discrimination and visibility is the most powerful weapon available."

However Green Party activist Rob White felt opposition to the event was 'unfortunate' and encouraged condemnation and confrontation rather than dialogue and engagement.

Meanwhile Tim Trent went along to the proceedings and was thoroughly disappointed.

In a powerful article he details how "Reading is unchanged by the event."

He says the event had a distinct lack of atmosphere, asking "where were the carnival floats, where were the extraordinary costumes?... Where was the charisma, the part that makes the onlookers gasp and approve and applaud?" saying instead that what participants got amounted to "a small guided tour of Reading."

The fete on King's Meadow was a small island of tolerance and colour on an otherwise drab occasion, noting public sector employers associations and a campaign to allow gay men to donate blood. And while several young couples felt free enough to hold hands and make public shows of affection only a tranny ascending a climbing wall in knee-high stilettoes could bring him to exclaim "what gusto, what aplomb, what gravity, what a strong gusset!"

He was dismayed at the lack of community integration, taking this as a sign that attitudes still have a long way to progress before equality and diversity is truly valued in our society.

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Update: Cllr Emma Warman posts that 8 local councillors from her party took the opportunity to come out and meet the public at a stall labelled "Conservative and proud" where they had a selection of cakes emblazoned with the party logo and a petition calling for a specific anti-bullying policy on LGBT issues in schools.

Cllr Warman explained that she thinks the best thing about the day is that it isn't a 'niche' event and is capable of attracting many people who don't consider themselves part of the 'gay community'.

Cllr Tim Harris, who organised the Conservative Party stall at the event, said "I truly believe that Pride parades across the country have really made a difference in reducing discrimination, and Reading Conservatives were delighted to get involved."

Reading Labour Party have responded by highlighting the hypocrisy of the Conservatives' show of support for equality when matched with their new alliance with the 'homophobic' Polish Law & Order Party which banned Pride events in Warsaw.

Anneliese Dodds said, "It all makes David Cameron's 'apology' for Section 28 ring very hollow."