We need a theme that is specific, practical and unifying worldwide
2012: An opportunity to highlight homophobic oppression and LGBT heroism
20/07/2011
“Pride London will host World Pride next year, 2012. Tens of thousands of LGBT people, campaigners and media are expected to come to London for the World Pride events,” said human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
“A month before the Olympics, the eyes of the world will be on London. We must not miss this historic opportunity to profile the international struggle for LGBT freedom to a global audience of hundreds of millions of people.
“I hope World Pride will help us shine a spotlight on the heroic efforts of LGBT campaigners in countries like Uganda, Iran, Cameroon, Nigeria, Iraq, Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kenya, Egypt and Jamaica.
“From my preliminary discussions, Pride London is sympathetic,” he said.
Mr Tatchell has written to the Pride London organisers, urging them to adopt the theme:
Decriminalise homosexuality worldwide – Global equality for LGBT people
Mr Tatchell’s letter to Pride London reads as follows:
“Dear Pride London,
“World Pride 2012 needs a theme – something specific, unifying and relevant worldwide.
“General themes like love, unity and diversity don’t work. They are too vague and don’t communicate a pertinent message. In short, they are pretty meaningless.
“We need a theme for World Pride that is concrete and specific – that the media and public will recognise and understand.
“I would like to propose a strong, explicit theme with a universal message:
Decriminalise homosexuality worldwide – Global equality for LGBT people
“Decriminalisation is very simple, clear, inclusive and meaningful. It is the single most important and relevant demand we can make globally.
“Over 70 countries still criminalise same-sex relations, with penalties ranging from a few years jail to life imprisonment and even execution.
“The international experience has been that wherever governments have decriminalised homosexuality, LGBT movements have grown and broader equalities have eventually been legislated.
“That’s why pushing for decriminalisation and making it an issue is so important.
“World Pride 2012 is a unique opportunity to put universal decriminalisation on the global agenda,” wrote Mr Tatchell.