Successful Gay Pride March in Tonbridge, 18/08/12

Over a hundred and fifty people attended a peaceful march in Tonbridge on Saturday 18th August, in protest against homophobic abuse in Tonbridge High Street. 

An article about a gay couple who were facing daily homohobic abuse was reported in the Kent & Sussex Courier on 10th August and a Facebook group was set up in protest by one of their friends.

Though there were a few offensive comments from a few young males watching the march  a policeman, who I had spoken to at the event, said it had largely been successful. 

One marcher had a t-shirt with "I'm straight but not narrow". Some had posters with "I'm Gay, get over it".  Others handed out rainbow ice lollies, and others blew rainbow bubbles. Marchers held hands with each other in defiance at those in Tonbridge who objected to them doing so.

"Tonbridge probably hasn't seen anything like this since the Suffragettes" said one local marcher.

Another, Mr Ashton, said "If someone in Tonbridge becomes comfortable with their sexuality after our march, it was an afternoon well spent".

In Wetherspoons, a local pub in Tonbridge, it was a hot topic of discussion with those who didn't attend the march.

The organisers plan a Gay Pride in Tonbridge every year, and there was a loud cheer amongst the marchers.

If anyone receives any homophobic abuse in Tonbridge, please call Kent Police.