Pride in London has issued an apology for allegations of racism and bullying riddling the organisation.
The non-profit has been plagued by demands for new leadership and a fundamental rethink of how the UK’s largest Pride march operates over accusations of racism and bullying. Five directors – including co-chairs Michael Salter-Church, who founded the organisation, and Alison Camps – resigned in March following allegations of a hostile environment for people of colour within Pride in London.
Pride in London said in a statement on Thursday (13 March) that it had “listened to and engaged with individuals, community groups and allied associations” over the past weeks who shared their “experiences, hurt and also support” for the non-profit.
Pride in London has released a statement following allegations of racism and bullying within the organisation.
Back in March, all 10 members of the community entire advisory board quit and accused Pride in London of creating a “hostile environment” for people of colour volunteers, which they echoed further in a resignation letter.
“It is our view that Pride in London has acted less as custodians of a sacred event that champions the rights of all in our community, and more as a personal project of a privileged few,” they wrote.
“At this point, it is clear that there is no desire from Pride in London to take onboard recommendations by the CAB or the wider community.”
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Huge crowds gathered for Pride in London in 2019. (Dinendra Haria/ SOPA Images/LightRocket/ Getty)
The LGBT+ women’s magazine DIVA has pulled out of Pride in London amid mounting concerns over racism in the top levels of the event’s leadership team.
DIVA publisher Linda Riley announced on Wednesday (17 March) that she’d taken “the difficult but unavoidable decision” to withdraw DIVA’s support from the Women’s Stage in Leicester Square, which it had hosted for several years.
The magazine described problems with the “entire management structure” of Pride In London, saying it is “nothing short of scandalous” that the biggest diversity event in such a diverse city is represented by a board which chiefly comprises white, cis, gay men.