Pride in London: There are still many battles to win, says the event's director

London's Pride Director has praised this year's event, stating that it was "absolutely fantastic" but adding more fights for LGBTQ+ people.

Pride in London: There are still many battles to win, says the event's director

London's Pride Director has praised this year's event, stating that it was "absolutely fantastic" but adding more fights for LGBTQ+ people.

On Saturday, more than a million people marched through the streets of the city to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Thousands also participated in the parade.

This event was a tribute to the 1972 march.

Director Chris Joell Deshields stated that it was vital because it provided great visibility for LGBTQ+ rights.

He spoke to BBC Radio London and said that the event was a show of solidarity with those living in countries that don't have the same freedoms.

He said, "We are able to provide that type of visibility, unity and quality that the world can see, and it sends out a message of solidarity for those persons who might be thinking, 'I cannot be open', or 'I'm not visible or I will be prosecuted in mine country'."

He said, "The battles are not all won. We've made some great achievements, including equal marriage, repealing section 28, and lifting the ban on homosexuals and lesbians serving in the military. But we still have a long way to go.

"Everyday we continue to fight for trans people and make it a fair world for them. We are still fighting for people around the globe who can't be themselves.

"Yesterday, when we were at Trafalgar Square and were chanting "trans rights are human right', we were pushing for that so that Downing Street and beyond could hear our chants to the millions of people on the footprint as well as the thousands who were marching in the parade.

"This sends a strong message to politicians that we are here, proud and loud, as well as a signal to others that we will continue fighting.

"And there is the next generation that we have to pass the torch to. We want them understand that the fight isn't won. We have to keep going and the pride platform is a fantastic platform to do this."