LANCASTER PRIDE INTERVIEWS: "People will always promote hate but we don't need to accept that"

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 18:43

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Robert Mee, organiser of Lancaster Pride, with Matthew Black, a councillor and firefighter, at Lancaster Pride 2025. Photo: Joshua Brandwood

A leading light of Lancaster Pride has spoken out about why the event is more important than ever.

Robert Mee from Out in the Bay, who run the annual event supporting the LGBTQ+ community, was talking ahead of the city's annual Pride, held in Dalton Square on Sunday.

People took to the streets of the city for a celebration of Pride, including a parade, live music, and stalls in the square.

Beyond Radio also hosted a live radio show from the event for the third year running.

Mr Mee spoke to us about the level of hateful comments he and his team had received in the run-up to Lancaster Pride.

LISTEN to Rob Mee speaking to Beyond Radio's Luke Edmondson before Lancaster Pride 2025

"We've had a lot of comments this year...a lot of people are unhappy that we have Pride," he said.

"People can be unhappy. Some of the comments that people may write with their keyboard they wouldn't say in real life.

"And some of it is really horrible and undermines what we're trying to do.

"All we're trying to do is create an environment where people can be themselves for one day and it's in a safe space for people to do that.

"The world isn't totally accepting of LGBTQ+ people and that fight has to continue every day.

"But you have to do it in a way where you're creating allyships and not enermies. We're trying to do everything in a really positive way to create a culture of acceptance and welcoming.

"The hate, we're going to get it all the time. There seems to be a lot more of it this year. There are various political and other reasons why.

"At the end of the day we are talking about human beings. I think there needs to be a lot more empathy.

"I've got a meeting with the police. All we do is screen shot everything and it's left with the hate crime officer.

"It's amazing how many of the profiles are fake profiles, and half the comments aren't even from people in the Lancaster District.

"People will always promote hate. We just don't need to accept that."

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, was one of a number of local politicians who attended this year's Pride.

LISTEN to Councillor Caroline Jackson speaking during the Pride march on Sunday

"This is a great oupouring of equality, diversity, joy and colour," she said.

"It's fantastic to be with so many people who are living out their lives in equality. I remember back to a time when that wasnt possible.

"Every time I come I am excited and awed by how far we've come. It's taken so much courage to get this far and it's a privilege to be here."

This year, there was a £5 admission fee to enter Lancaster Pride.

"As much as I'm really taken aback by the fact that we have to charge, because I believe it should be free, we were pushed into a position where it wasn't a choice," said Mr Mee.

"Everybody knows why security will be heightened this year and there are various other reasons, which are all kind of political which I'm not going to go into.

"So we apologise, but we needed to charge a fiver. I don't think it's a lot.

"It's an amazing lineup. It would cost you more than a fiver to go and see half (the performers) at one of their own shows.

"And we've got all the local services attending, so it's a good place if you need help with anything from HIV testing, drug and alcohol testing, domestic violence, LGBTQ+ services. There's a lot of help and support at this event, and it is a supportive day."