‘Bigger and better than ever’: how Durham Pride beat Reform’s funding axe with help from the miners
Solidarity between LGBTQ+ people and unions has saved an event denied ‘a single penny’ of council money
TL;DR
- Durham Pride experienced its largest attendance ever this year, largely due to substantial funding from trade unions.
- Reform UK, after taking control of Durham county council, withdrew funding for the Pride event.
- The LGBTQ+ community and trade unions have a historical bond stemming from the 1980s miners' strikes, where the community provided support.
- Trade unions, including the Durham Miners’ Association, Equity, and others, collectively raised funds to replace the cut council money, reportedly exceeding the original amount.
- The increased union involvement led to a larger and more vibrant Pride event than in previous years.
- Local politicians and attendees expressed pride in the solidarity shown by the trade union movement in supporting the event.
- A Reform UK spokesperson stated that the council's decision was to prioritize core local services and that private funding demonstrated the event could proceed without taxpayer money.