Gay and lesbians will march through the streets of London in their Bermuda shorts to fight for equal rights.
Scores of Bermudians in traditional dress are expected to come together to highlight their plight in the annual London Gay Pride parade on Saturday.
To make themselves "unmissable" they will all be wearing pink Bermuda shorts, blue knee-length socks, white shirts and blue ties while waving small Bermuda flags.
Several of them will be on scooters and a handful of Gombey dancers are also expected to take part. The Bermudian contingent will be marching behind a huge Bermuda flag and banner saying 'Bermuda-London Gay Pride.'
The gay and lesbian community decided to take part in the parade to show "the House of Lords and British government" what is going on.
It's the latest move in a high-profile campaign to add the 'sexual orientation' words to the 1981 Human Rights Act, which outlaws discrimination in employment, housing and public services.
It is believed to be the first time that Bermuda has been represented at the event because "we're a British colony and people have to know what is happening."
Those taking part will include Bermudians who live in London, as well as a group of Bermudians who have travelled to the capital city especially for the event.
Mark Anderson, one of the few who are openly gay in Bermuda, said: "Bermudians really wanted to be part of this year's London parade, a lot of people will be taking part.
Make a statement
"We need to make a statement, we need this change in legislation for the words sexual orientation to be added.
"We will show the House of Lords and the British government, we're a British colony and people have to know what is happening."
He added: "London Pride is going to be given a real Bermuda flavour.
"We love our country but we have to make this universal statement as everyone will be watching."
Pride London is now in its sixth year and aims to promote equality and diversity. It is one of the biggest Gay Pride events in the world with the afternoon parade expected to attract about 500,000 people.
Mr. Anderson has performed all over the world as drag queen Sybil Barrington and is one of the most popular but controversial entertainers in the Bermuda Day parade.
He cannot attend London Pride because of work commitments, but said: "More Bermudians in the last decade or so have become supportive of gay rights.
"But it's still not enough, as gays we should have rights."
Mr. Anderson's message to Premier Dr. Ewart Brown is: "If Bermuda wants to keep up with the Jones's we need to get with it."
In May 2006 there was a House of Assembly protest after MPs failed to debate a Private Members Bill brought to the House by the then PLP MP Renee Webb.
The following year campaigners launched the Two Words And a Comma campaign to fight for the Human Rights Act amendment to end discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Mr. Anderson said: "Whether you are gay, lesbian or transgender, we will continue to raise awareness universally
"We are saying we are here, we exist and we are living our lives."
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, July 02, 2009
Comment by:
Renee Webb
With respect to the the objective of the London Pride participation Sylvia and Alex have adequately covered this matter. Regarding the "Two Words and Comma" campaign, committee members or any of the three founding members, including myself, would gladly assist any reporter in their effort to report objectively and correctly. Otherwise, to all of the participants, enjoy the parade with dignity and pride. I will be there with you in spirit, as time constraint does not allow me to be there otherwise.
Posted: Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Comment by:
Alexander Cabrall
It is a shame that this reporter did not bother to interview anyone who is organising and/or taking part in the actual parade. This event is not the "latest move in a campaign to amend the HR Act". It is a pride parade, and we are joining the parade to show the large amount of Bermudians, straight and gay, who support and are proud of Bermuda's gay community.
Posted: Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Comment by:
Sylvia Hayward-Harris
Sad that your reporter didn't interview someone who was actually going to the March. S/he might have learned that a number of so-called 'straight' Bermudians will be marching as well. As one of those straight people who had planned to march but can't due to work constraints, I don't think protest or awareness-raising was the primary purpose of Bermudian attendance. Although I firmly believe that discrimination in any form is anathema and it is time for Bermuda to make sure all its citizens are protected, I don't believe this march is in any way, shape, or form "the latest move in a high-profile campaign to add the 'sexual orientation' words to the 1981 Human Rights Act." I have not seen anything that resembles a "high profile campaign" from any quarter. Such reporting does damage to this righteous cause.
