Pride events across the north-east of England are being reshaped by funding withdrawals and flag bans imposed by Reform-led councils, prompting organisers to return to the movement's protest origins. Peter Darrant, chief executive of the One Centre in Gateshead, has run pride events for 15 years across three local authorities. In Gateshead and Sunderland, Reform-led councils have withdrawn funding and stopped flying pride flags on civic buildings. South Tyneside council has restricted the flag's display to a single day at the start of pride month.
Adapting to a Hostile Landscape
Darrant consolidated three months of pride activities into one and relocated events from council land to private spaces, such as shopping centres and the One Centre, the north-east's first LGBTQ+ community space, which opened four months ago. This weekend, a march in Sunderland will gather opposite the flag-less city hall. "In previous years, it's always turned into a concert at the end, but this year we didn't think it was right to party," Darrant said. "We wanted to do something political, in response to what the community has told us: they want to be heard, they want to chant, they want to show their pride in who they are."
Due to threats received, Darrant doubled private security for the event. "Some people will say 'it's just a flag,' but it's everything. It's about visibility. It's about representation," he said. "And some people say: 'Do we need that visibility any more?' Well, look what happens within a few weeks when a different doctrine comes into power."
Economic Impact and Growing Hostility
Darrant noted that offline aggression has become more marked. "Some people are more empowered and emboldened. Before, when we had a street stall, people walking by might mutter and look in disgust. Now, we notice more people coming up, slamming the table, challenging us." He emphasised that pride was formed from protest and defended the right to protest while calling for debate.
Economically, Darrant estimated that for every pound from the local authority, pride events generated £7 back to the local economy. However, a rollback in sponsorships due to hostile parties coming to power has created challenges. "We've seen a sharp drop in people wanting to engage with pride. A couple of big previous sponsors have said: 'We can't get involved with you this year, because we're pitching for contracts with the local authorities,'" he said.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
In Gateshead, most people spoken to disapproved of the flag changes, calling them homophobic. However, one chatty business owner, a lesbian who benefited from equal marriage and IVF access, said she "couldn't care less" about the ban or funding cuts. "Not that I believe Reform is going to put the money to better use. But I feel very accepted compared to when I came out 20 years ago," she said. "Pride was saying 'we do exist and we want rights.' Putting flags everywhere today is sending the message 'we're different.'"
Return to Protest Roots
Darrant, who was truncheoned by police at age 16 during a march against Section 28, believes it's time to go back to pride's roots. He recounted a talk with 20-year-olds who felt confident reporting anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, but he warned them: "That change is within my lifetime, but the law could change where your rights are not protected." He sees a "silver lining" in the current backlash, including against the trans community, as a reason to unite and fight again. "We've got to bring our allies along with us too," he said, reflecting on the past decade of culture wars. "I don't think we've been great to our allies of late. We've shouted at them about pronouns, we've not talked to them."
Once pride season ends, Darrant suggests all involved in north-east pride should gather for a conversation about rethinking what pride means. "We do need to rethink what it is – and that might not be a bad thing," he said.
