Hastings Pride CIC with the unanimous support of the organising committee (the pride team) have taken the decision to suspend any political party’s inclusion in the parade and the site events, unless they can demonstrate consistent and unwavering support for ALL the LGBTQIA+ communities. This comes as a result of the initial court ruling which undermines the fight for equality. Trans and gender non-conforming people have fought alongside their allies on the painful journey towards some degree of acceptance and equity.

Pride is first and foremost a protest against bigotry and discrimination and it makes no sense to dilute the passion and hardship that LGBTQIA communities have endured by allowing political platforms that encourage discrimination, embolden those who would perpetrate hate crimes and cause alienation.

The pride team hope that such action will serve to demonstrate the anger, frustration, fear and heartache that LGBTQIA+ communities feel and the sense that unchecked, these attitudes will gain momentum and destroy all the ground gained in terms of equity and human rights.

This is not the same decision that other pride festival organisers have made.  It was not made lightly or without personal and collective reflection. In making this decision we hope that elected officials and political parties alike will recognise the terrible impact their decisions or inaction have had on trans and gender non-conforming communities and the fear this generates for any marginalised group in society.  

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Details of how to take part in the parade and the requirements to be included can be found here: Parade – Hastings Pride

The chair of Hastings Pride CIC has documented their personal thoughts and feelings, as a trans woman, on her decision to support this action which can be found here: https://hastingspride.org.uk/chairs-political-statement/ 

Signed & Agreed 27/05/2025:

Hastings Pride organising committee