LGBT History Month 2025 - Activism and Social Change
February marks the 20th year of LGBT+ History Month in the UK. A month that highlights incredible moments and people throughout history related to the LGBT+ community.
Activism and social change are the theme for this year and with that in mind we look back at the ‘Pride’ events that have taken place in Nottinghamshire.
1997 – Pink Lace
Image: Nottinghamshire Rainbow Heritage
The first celebration of the LGBT community was a small but impactful event on Broad Street in the heart of Hockley.
The event was organised by local LGBT+ volunteers, with various stalls from LGBT+ groups set up, along with live music on the steps of Broadway Cinema.
For the following two years Pink Lace moved to Nottingham Castle and was a growing success with more stalls and attendance. However, the event took a huge toll on the volunteer organisers so the final Pink Lace event at Nottingham Castle was in 1999.
2000 – Nottingham Pride
Image: Nottinghamshire Rainbow Heritage
The first ‘Nottingham Pride’ took place in 2000 along the Victoria Embankment. Unfortunately, in 2002 no event was held due to low numbers in the previous year. In 2003 the event took place in the arboretum, which was the events home until 2010.
2010 – Forest Recreation Ground
From 2010 Nottingham Pride found a new home on the fields of the Forest Recreation Ground on outskirts of the city, after a march through the centre. The ever-expanding festival was now a staple in the city’s yearly events. Pride was moved back to the Arboretum for 2013.
2014 – Notts Pride
Image: Nottinghamshire Rainbow Heritage
In 2013 Nottingham Pride’s organising charity closed due to financial reasons and lack of sponsorship. A new committee called Notts Pride took over and relocated the event back to its roots in Hockley for 2014. By moving it back to its original location, the event became a focal point in the city, whilst providing much footfall to local businesses in the area.
2019 – Nottinghamshire Law Society Attends Pride
In 2019 Nottinghamshire Law Society first joined the parade to show solidarity with the LGBT+ community. We began with our first breakfast event at Freeths, followed by joining the march with our now famous rainbow banner.
2020 – Covid Year
The pandemic meant that all in person events and festivals could not take place that year. To ensure Pride was not forgotten, the Nott Pride committee took the event online with various LGBT+ acts performing live online from the Nottingham City Council House Ballroom.
The event was a huge success, showcasing local LGBT+ talent as well bring together our committee during a very difficult time. All this was made possible by the hard work of the Notts Pride committee. A recording of the event can be viewed here.
2021 – The Alliance Network
In 2021 we returned to the streets after the lockdown restriction was eased. The march took place on 11th September. This was the first year Nottinghamshire Law Society partnered with The Alliance Network.
The Alliance Network was set up to connect LGBT+ professionals and staff networks. As Nottingham is smaller than other cities, having a wider network helps ensure more support for events such as Pride.
As a sign of remembrance for the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, the march opened with a two-minute silence.
2022 – A Tradition is Born
From 2022 we have continued to attend Pride alongside The Alliance Network. We have held the pre-pride breakfast event at Browne Jacobson with attendance reaching around 100+ individuals from various organisations across Nottingham. We have kindly received increasing sponsorship from our members for the event.
2023 - PRIDE
2024
This year’s Pride will be taking place on Saturday 26th July 2025. The annual march through the city is planned, with the stalls and event stages being held throughout Hockley and Sneinton Market.
This year we hope to hold our post-pride drinks meetup in Sneinton Market, closer to the action. We will be releasing the full agenda for the day later in the year.
Why Pride is More Important Than Ever
Whilst pride as an event has expanded from its activist roots, activism and awareness are still fundamental.
Pride as an event means multiple things to different people. For many it’s a fun day out, a chance to meet likeminded people, a celebration of how far LGBT+ rights have progressed and an opportunity for organisations to show support for the LGBT+ community.
Unfortunately, in our current fast-paced society views on LGBT+ people are becoming increasingly poliarised. The LGBT+ community is often under attack both in UK and abroad. Whilst we have come a long way since the 1990’s, there is still a long way to go.
LGBT+ history month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tireless work of activists’ past, present and future. Activism and social change essential for the LGBT+ community to progress towards equality and to ensure we don’t go backwards. Events such as Pride play an important part.
I attended my first Pride in 2013, I was very young and at the time didn’t have any friends who identified as LGBTQ+. I didn’t really feel comfortable at the time due to my personal insecurities with my own identity and did not attend again until 2019.
I only gained the confidence to become so involved in Pride due to the support of the organisations I worked for and meeting likeminded individuals through internal and external LGBT+/Equality and Diversity networks.
By attending Pride throughout the following years I have met some incredibly individuals, many of whom have become lifelong friends. It has given me insights into a diverse community who have unique stories and perspectives that have helped shape my own worldview.
I’ve also been amazed at how many people will give us feedback telling us how much they have enjoyed the event, both from members of the LGBT+ community and allies.
Hearing people’s stories and making those connections reminds me of how far we’ve come, what is left to achieve and how quickly certain individuals’ rights can be eroded if we forget their importance.
When I think of activism and social change, my mind often goes to street protests or political activism. But for many people, either LGBT+ or not, being yourself or being visible in society or at work can be in itself a form of activism, whether wanted or not.
This is why showing support, even though it may not be ‘fashionable’ to, is the most important time.
By attending Pride events organisations not only visible show their LGBT+ employees their support, but they also allow those individuals the freedom to be themselves at work and beyond. It can also help to attract the best talent from a wide pool of diverse individuals, which has proven benefits to any organisation, particularly within the legal profession.
How to Get Involved
If you would like to sponsor our pride meetup events or get involved, please email Nottinghamshire Law Society's Head of Operations, Michelle Foster - michelle.foster@nottslawsoc.org
If you would like to be involved with The Alliance Network, email alliancemidlands@gmail.com.
Notts Pride is made possible by the hard work of the volunteers of the Notts Pride committee. Nottingham Pride is one of the few pride events in the UK that is still free to attend. This is only made possible by sponsorship and donations.
For more information on how to support Notts Pride, please click here.
Written by Lee Collishaw, Digital Marketing & Events Manager at Ropewalk Chambers
Sources:
Nottinghamshire Rainbow Heritage
Notts Pride