in happier pride news i actually found this deeply heartwarming
that's solidarity baybeeee
Further context: Durham city council (Reform UK) cut funding and support for Pride. The Durham Miner's Association and other trade unions raised enough money for Durham Pride 2026 to go ahead - a direct call back to when Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) raised money for mining communities when Margaret Thatcher seized union funding during the miner strikes of 1984-85.
At the 1985 Labour party meet, the motion to support LGBT rights as a party was passed due to a block vote from mining unions.
Stephen Guy, the chair of the Durham Miners’ Association, said that when it became apparent Durham Pride was under threat, he took it upon himself to “encourage the trade union movement to step up and do the right thing, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBT+ community […] They not only raised funds for us, but came to our communities, uplifted our spirits when they were down, and showed their solidarity.”
tags from @emohorseboy:
#so beautiful it brings a tear to the eye#i think i'm right in saying they actually raised more than the previous years budget
According to reports like this one from the BBC, they raised ten times the usual council budget.
the council has funded Pride to the tune of £2,500 in the past. the DMA raised £25,000. this was the biggest Pride event Durham has ever seen, and I'm so proud of everyone involved.
