Pride events initially took place annually in June, the month in which the unrest that came to be known as the Stonewall riots took place in 1969.
The riots took their name from a gay club in New York that had been raided by police – the Stonewall – and the Pride marches that were held in the years immediately afterwards were in part protests against homophobia and police brutality.
Over the years, Pride marches have become celebrations of diversity, with some drawing corporate sponsorship and financial support from local authorities. But they continue to face claims that they are too political.
In recent weeks, Reform UK-controlled St Helens Council announced it would no longer be supporting Pride-related events, with council officers instructed to cease engagement with all aspects of Pride, including removing displays in libraries.
Its leader George Woodward said the council did not “consider celebrations of sexuality, especially those with left-wing political leanings such as Pride, to be appropriate for St Helens Borough Council to dedicate valuable officer resources”.
In some parts of England, Pride organisers have banned the participation of representatives of some political parties over their views on transgender rights.
Liverpool Pride march takes place in the city centre on 25 July.
