Wycombe Pride: What residents love most about pride

Jennifer from Bucks Scouts told the Free Press that “I’m a part of the County Inclusion team so we try to go to events and have more presence to show that we are more inclusive. A lot of people see Scouts as being a Boys Only club, it’s not, we’ve had girls in for ages and there are all sorts of people now who take part in scouting. Hopefully, we will have some more down today.”

Jennifer from Bucks Scouts told the Free Press that “I’m a part of the County Inclusion team so we try to go to events and have more presence to show that we are more inclusive. A lot of people see Scouts as being a Boys Only club, it’s not, we’ve had girls in for ages and there are all sorts of people now who take part in scouting. Hopefully, we will have some more down today.”

Their sign was made by runner and organiser of the runners at Wycombe Pride, Andrew who proudly showed off his creation.

Kath, a member of All Saints Church was marching which a group and said they were “here to share the fact that God loves everybody. All Saints is an inclusive church and we welcome everybody. We are also part of the community so we are here in our community celebrating diversity”

Representing the Labour party was parliamentary candidate, Emma Reynolds, marching under the Labour banner. She said “Pride is amazing and it is so important for us to recognise the rights of the LGBTQ community […] Its great to be here, lots of people, lots of colour, lots of variety, lots of people dressed up.”

Speaking about her political view, she said that “Unlike the current MP, I voted for gay marriage because I believe that the state shouldn’t tell people you can’t be in a relationship or love each other or get married just because of they happen not to be in a heterosexual relationship.”

“Our party’s got a strong history and tradition of protecting people’s human rights. As you know, we established the Equality Act the last time we were in power and we are absolutely passionate about people’s human rights and about fighting discrimination against anybody in any form it comes. Chuffed to be here and passionate about this agenda.”

Also at Wycombe Pride was Wycombe MP, Steve Baker, who discussed his previous vote against same-sex marriage in 2013. He said “I am very grateful that I’ve been made welcome because I know that the vote on same-sex marriage was an extremely painful time for people. This isn’t my first pride in Wycombe and I’m very grateful to be here and I’m grateful to be supported by Harry from my team as well.”

“I am very proud to represent the Conservative party. I think that people do forget that although it was a painful vote, it was the Conservative party who brought it forward and implemented same-sex marriage.”

“I’m very happy to be here and to let people know that for all the difficulties that I am here for them and I want them to know that I support them.”