YMCA DLG burst into Brighton Pride in a cloud of sequins, glitter and rainbow flags!
This year marked 50 years since the Stonewall Inn riots in New York – a pivotal event in the gay liberation movement- so the theme was Generations of Love, marking each decade from 1969 onwards. Our design lead Andrew Cummings worked incredibly hard, alongside a team of staff and young people, to create a float that payed homage to the Stonewall Inn – by recreating it! The float and our dancing party at the front made a real impression as we wound our way through the procession – with the crowd getting particularly enthused when ‘YMCA’ came blaring out of the speakers!
Participants were all in high spirits and made our float one of the most vibrant and colourful in the whole parade.
Danielle, YMCA DLG service user, commented:
“I took part in Pride in loving memory of my mum, who was a very loud and proud woman! I felt like she was there partying with us in spirit.”
Chas Walker, CEO, YMCA DLG says:
“YMCA DownsLink Group supports young people to belong, contribute and thrive regardless of gender, sexuality or beliefs. We’re delighted to share these values and stand in solidarity with our vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community in Brighton and Hove.”
Thank you to our sponsors Griffith Smith LLP, Wilmott Dixon and Tullett Self Drive, and to Mills Removals and Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) for lending us their sites to store our float.
A huge thank you also needs to go to the staff, volunteers and young people who went above and beyond to make Brighton Pride such a success!
Check out what we got up to below:
