This year, Brighton Pride celebrates its annual return, marking its 35th year in operation. With half a million attendees averaging each year, this could be its biggest.
August of 2026 reaches a huge milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. Brighton pride will be returning for its 35th year running. What started off as a march of protest in 1991 has evolved into one of Europe’s most renowned LGBTQ+ festivals. Averaging around half a million attendees and headliners from around the globe, Brighton Pride has established itself as a vibrant celebration, and also a booster for the economy. Mr Kemp, organiser of Brighton Pride said that the event had raised more than 1.4 million for local LGBTQ+ causes, a significant flow of money that is desperately needed. Reports by Brighton City Council suggest an estimated 20.5m in revenue in 2018 from visitors to the city.
In 1991, LGBTQ students existed in an environment hugely different from the one that has been fostered in modern ages. Section 28 of the 1988 local government act prohibited promoting homosexuality in schools up until 2003. Historically, an entire generation of LGBTQ+ students experienced study without institutional acknowledgement. In a time where clarity on one’s sexuality carried both a professional and social risk to the individual, it cannot be compared to the form which Brighton Pride has taken today. Oftentimes it is argued that Brighton Pride has become too commercialised, relying on sponsorship and straying further away from its original intention as protest and affirmation. It is undeniable that there has been significant progress, but whether or not it reaches the Brighton campuses is a question many still pose today.
For many students at the University of Brighton, their answers are far from black and white. “I came to Brighton because I knew it was the gay capital, and coming from a conservative rural background, I wanted an opportunity to express myself. I had never attended a pride event until now.” said Alisha, a second-year music production student who identifies as lesbian. “I have still experienced homophobia on a smaller scale though, little comments in lectures or a look usually remind me that LGBTQ acceptance is not universal.” Amy Barnes, a third year student studying criminology reflects similarly. “I’ve had a smooth time, and celebrated Pride every year with my girlfriend. But still, there are times that I feel uncomfortable even in a city that’s supposed to be progressive.”. Brighton’s role as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ is still very much prevalent, though instances of prejudice still exist across the nation.
Despite this, Brighton Pride gives LGBTQ+ students the representation they deserve. Alisha goes on to say “I always feel safest at Pride, I mean there’s thousands and thousands of people rallied in support of our community, and that to me is enough. Even if there is still work to do, visibility is priority because we aren’t going anywhere.”.
The 35th anniversary of Brighton Pride is a notable achievement, one that has been made possible through generations of dangerous protest to allow an atmosphere that, today, is vibrant and supportive. However, the question remains, these people and institutions fighting for them for the other 51 weeks of the year as well?