Liverpool's Pride celebrations see the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies come together to celebrate in style every year.
While the day is the perfect opportunity to dance, laugh and make memories, it is important to remember why Pride in Liverpool came about and how, at its essence, Pride is a protest against hatred and bigotry. But it was a tragedy that shocked the city from which these celebrations were born.
In August 2008, 18-year-old Michael Causer was beaten to death at a house party. Prosecutors claimed homophobic insults were hurled at Michael during the attack. One man, James O’Connor, of The Brow, Runcorn who was then 20, was handed a life sentence for Michael's killing in 2009. The next month, saw trainee policeman, James Parkes, then 22, set upon by up to 20 teenage boys in an anti-LGBT attack in the city’s Pride Quarter. At the time, he was hospitalised with a fractured skull.
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As it stood, Liverpool did not have a Pride festival, despite being the sixth most populous metropolitan area in England. But, after Michael’s death and the attack on James, a vigil was held on Stanley Street and the Liverpool LGBT Network was set up by the City Council. Since then, the city’s Pride celebrations have grown in strength with solidarity and record-breaking numbers.
The ECHO spoke with the co-founder and former co-chair of LCR Pride Foundation, John Hyland, who has watched the free festival blossom and change over the years. He told the ECHO: “Liverpool Pride 2010 was the first Pride I ever attended. The city became a sea of rainbows and magic with the theme of Rainbow Circus. I never thought, standing on Dale Street in absolute awe at being surrounded by so much love and acceptance, that only six years later I would become a part of this magic.
“Flash forward to 2016 and I started volunteering as Liverpool Pride's social media manager. It was an interesting year, as it followed the essential 'cancellation' of what many know as the 'Pride festival' in 2015 - which saw the usual information stands and educational aspects at St George's, but no stages of performances, with many 18’s and over spending the day and night in the local LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
“2016 was the first year Liverpool Pride was hosted on the surrounding grounds of St George's Hall, which many felt was the perfect amphitheatre site for the 'festival' element, providing space for multiple stages, a large seated area in the World Museum steps; and only a stone's throw away from the, now named Pride Quarter. After a year on the streets around the quarter and the Pier Head, this felt like a natural home for an event that welcomes everyone, in a space that accommodates everyone.
He added: “We built on this success by returning to St George's Hall in 2017, it felt like the event had found its forever home to build upon and grow. However, I remember the main fiasco we faced in that we had booked, and announced, Marc Almond as our Headliner, but he had to pull out due to filming commitments - ultimately seeing the fabulous return of Atomic Kitten, right before they became a twosome weeks later.
“Liverpool Pride has definitely been a welcome challenge, as in 2018, my first year as co-chair, we were faced with the need to relocate the event site due to several different issues. Working incredibly closely with Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool, we sounded out several different possibilities and ultimately landed on Tithebarn Street, including Pownall Square the home of Mersey Pride in 1995. Following months of stress, it was amazing to have the weather on our side, and a record-breaking number of queer people and allies march in solidarity and celebrate progress and identity. We definitely worked Courtney Act hard that year, as she performed in Heaven nightclub, then on our main stage. We knew we were back on track, after having genuine concerns we were close to cancelling.
“2019 saw a change with the establishment of LCR Pride Foundation and rebranding of the event to Pride in Liverpool. We had great plans to expand the footprint from the previous year, and work with established brands within the city, to demonstrate great cross, cultural collaboration; something we saw in the 2017 'World on One Stage', with stages produced by LIMF and SoundCity. Of course, unfortunately, this year was a dramatic weather difference with torrential rain all day, but it didn't dampen spirits as a further record-breaking 12,000 people marched with many continuing to celebrate on the event site.”
Following the 2019 festival, John stepped down from LCR Pride foundation but “continues to watch and support from afar whilst using all the great experience I took from my time with Pride in my new role as a councillor in Northern Ireland.”
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Pride in Liverpool returns this weekend with a "celebratory and community-driven event." The free festival takes place this Saturday, July 30.
Joseph Donohue, Trustee of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “Just as we did in 2009, our whole community comes together each year to protest issues that affect LGBT+ people, show solidarity with the region's LGBT+ community and celebrate diversity and the progress that has been made.
"We strongly believe that progress is only possible through understanding, conversation and dialogue, so we can address the concerns of all parts of our community. The annual March with Pride is made up of thousands of people showing their support and respect for each other and a city region where LGBT+ people can live equal lives. It is open to everyone and we look forward to thousands of our community and allies taking to the streets once again.”
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