Eastbourne Pride Parade kicks off event

LGBTQ+ colours and signs were visible outside the historic Eastbourne pier as old and young prepared to parade proudly towards Princess Park, symbolising collectivity, solidarity, identity, and resistance to discrimination and violence.

Speaking to a couple outside the pier, one of them said: “This is why we protest to stop the discrimination and shame."

They note: “I’m a gay woman, but I like men too,” and they both think people should be able to identify how they want.

Many I spoke to, all happy to be quoted to raise awareness, were “delighted that Eastbourne has a pride”, as one person said: "We don’t have to go to the “grandfather” of pride in Brighton."

Another said at the entrance of Princess Park: “It’s much better than last year.”

This is Eastbourne’s eighth Bourne Out LGBTQ+ pride event.

The Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Stephen Holt, was also in the parade with a white VW Golf blaring music like “Believe” by Cher and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.

Care for Carers and other charities also waved their flag, symbolising the compassion and care that underlines the respect of diffidence and freedom to identify how one wishes, which is so passionately at the heart of the LGBTQ+ movement.

The event at Princess Park started at 11am and a large queue formed outside with loud dance music, an inflatable slide, DJs, tribute acts, musicians and food awaiting them.

It was hosted by local drag queen Fonda Cox and headlined by Rupauls UK drag race season 4 winner Danny Beard.