Pride’s message is still loud and clear

The image shows campaigners involved with the forerunner of the Pride movement in Brighton, the Sussex Gay Liberation Front.

The photograph was sourced and restored by local historian and part of the University of Brighton’s web team, Alf Le Flohic.

The image shows a mixture of university staff and students, as well as local people, about to march along the city’s seafront in 1972.

Alf said: ”The photograph was in the archives at the Bishopsgate Institute and I recognised it immediately, but I’d never seen such a good quality copy of it. Simon Watney is on the far right edge of the image and was teaching at Brighton Polytechnic Art School when the photo was taken. He said in an email that he was “astonished to see that line-up photo of us all in 1972”.

Sussex Gay Liberation Front 'Gay Day' in 1972, courtesy of the Bishopsgate Institute

Alf Le Flohic with original Gay Liberation Front badge, courtesy of Nick Ford Photography

Alf continued: “There appears to be only one woman in the photograph, and unfortunately I’ve been unable to identify her. In fact I’ve only identified six or seven out of the 19 individuals in it so far. I’d love to hear from people if they recognise anyone.

“This 'Gay Day' in 1972 was focused on an equal age of consent. It was followed by Brighton’s first Gay Pride event in July 1973.

“The pair on the far left are playwright John Roman Baker and founding Director of the Sussex AIDS Centre, Graham Wilkinson. They got married on the beach as part of the Pride celebrations in 1973.

“The turn out for Pride was disappointing due to the hostile environment of the times, and it wasn't until 1991 that another Pride event took place in Brighton.

“It’s important to remember how brave these young pioneers of the Pride movement were at a time when their message was not so accepted as it is today, and when many individuals suffered abuse and violence for the cause.

“It’s also important that even without Pride events this year, people shouldn’t feel isolated. They may be going through difficult and complicated times but the LGBTQ+ community will help them to be who they really are, and with pride.”

Alf has written an article with the photograph for Gscene: Sussex Gay Liberation Front – The Gay Day Before Pride.

Read more research by Alf Le Flohic at www.gayhistory.co.uk.