Students from 25 schools will lead the York Pride parade

More than 1,000 children and teachers are expected to participate in York Pride this year.

Staff and students from 25 schools will lead the parade from York Minster to Knavesmire on Saturday (8 June).

All the York state secondary schools are taking part, along with schools in Selby, Tadcaster, Malton and Ryedale and several local independents.

York College and Askham Bryan will also join them at the beginning of the parade in order to celebrate LGBT equality and inclusivity.

It builds on 2017’s historic event, when York Pride became the first event of its kind in the world to have all of its schools take part in the parade.

Tolerance and acceptance

The news comes after demonstrators made headline news with protests against LGBT teaching at a Birmingham primary school.

York Pride chair Greg Stephenson said:

• As many will be aware, the last few months have seen a lot of controversial and inflammatory remarks made about teaching about LGBT issues in schools, and this kind of support from York and the surrounding areas is really touching to see.

  It shows that no matter what is put out on social media and in the tabloids, people from across all spectrums are committed to equality and diversity, and a proud to teach tolerance and acceptance.
  

Vice chair of Julian Rudd said many involved with York Pride didn’t feel able to come out at school and it wasn’t an easy time for us.

“We have worked closely with local schools to make sure that LGBT students in York and surrounding towns feel supported,” he said.

“The participation of schools in the pride parade helps show this very clearly.”

The parade will begin at 11:45am from York Minster, and will culminate at the Knavesmire for an afternoon of live music, food, drink, and activities.

The event will be headlined by Pop Idol graduate Gareth Gates and Nineties dance icon Rozalla, and there will be a full fairground for all ages.