London Mayor Sadiq Khan lead the crowd at the capitals Pride parade whilst a group chanted ‘there is no pride in genocide’ elsewhere in the city.
His wife Saadiya Khan and Conservative Assembly member Andrew Boff as well as MAFS star Ella Morgan were also present at the march which set off from Hyde Park today.
In a statement, the mayor said as a ‘proud ally’ the event was one of his annual highlights, having been present every year since 2016.
Elsewhere in London, the group Queers for Palestine walked through Piccadilly chanting: ‘There is no pride in genocide’.
The 50-person group waved posters accusing Israel of genocide whilst also alleging the state was ‘pinkwashing’ to improve its international reputation.
Pinkwashing – also known as rainbow-washing – is a term used to describe the practice of trying to benefit from supporting LGBTQ rights as a way to profit or divert away from another agenda.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan lea the crowd at the capitals Pride parade today as the rainbow clad crowd marched through the city
In a statement, the mayor said as a ‘proud ally’ the event was one of his annual highlights, having been present every year since 2016
The mayor with parade-goers during Pride In London, which kicked off at Hyde Park
MAFS star Ella Morgan was also spotted taking part in the procession today
Tahir Kesai, a 50-year-old who was part of the group, said: ‘We decided to march because we think it’s important to be here. We’re too passionate about this cause to not participate.’
In a full statement about the Pride in London parade, Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m delighted that London’s diverse LGBTQI+ communities and allies are once again joining together in the heart of our capital for our world-renowned Pride celebrations and march of solidarity.
‘Pride is one of the highlights of my year and it is an honour to have been on every march since I was first elected as mayor in 2016.
‘This incredible event is a shining light for LGBTQI+ rights and shows why our city is a beacon for openness and inclusion – a place where you are embraced and celebrated for who you are. Our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities make a huge contribution to life in London.
‘There is however still work to be done to achieve true equality, and as a proud ally, I’ll continue to stand side-by-side with our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities as we work to build a better London for all.’
Dee Chanelle, director of Zodiac, who is hosting the official Pride in London Social, said: ‘Pride is a time of unity where everyone comes together to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights.
‘Freedom to express yourself and live authentically is very important.
‘London is open to all this Saturday and we are proud to have our employees take part in the parade.
Describing London as a beacon for ‘openness and inclusion’, Khan said there was still more work to be done to achieve true equality
Khan taking a selfie with two members marching with the crowd today
Members of the crowd holding an LGBT flag over the Mayor during the parade
Khan posing for a selfie with a pride parade-goer in Piccadilly Circus
Khan attended the event alongside his wife Saadiya Khan. Conservative Assembly member Andrew Boff were also present
Elsewhere in the city, the group Queers for Palestine chanted: ‘There is no pride in genocide’
‘ It’s important to employ members of the LGBTQ+ community from gifted entertainers to those who otherwise struggle with work opportunities based on appearance and sexual orientation.
‘The atmosphere is London is amazing today and we are ready to welcome the crowds in later for our busiest day of the year.
‘We are contributing not only to this important day but helping to boost the London economy.’
35,000 revellers descended on the capital today for the march through central London in celebration of the LGBTQ community.
Two attendees carrying pride flags and donning t-shirts which read: ‘I have everything I need’ and ‘I am everything’
Two men celebrating the event whilst donning red and purple head pieces
Another pride participant enjoying celebrations in the capital with his diamante mesh mask
One person walking in the sunny capital with a multi-coloured umbrella
A reveller dressed in a rainbow costume take parts in the Pride march celebrations
A reveller dressed in a glistening gold carnival outfit at the Pride In London parade
One man showed off his large multi-coloured wings
Crowds of motorbikes and various flags making their way through the capital during today’s parade
People enjoying the parade whilst holding a bi-sexual flag
Two revellers hugging and smiling at the parade in London
Three pride attendees with one draped in a lesbian flag (left) while the person to the left carries a pansexual flag
The rainbow flag is carried along Piccadilly by parade-goers during Pride In London