LGBTQ+ members and advocates are protesting a wave of bans on Pride events and the flying of Pride flags in public spaces, implemented by newly elected Reform-led councils across England. In Essex, the county council banned Pride events in all 74 libraries, a decision described by local resident Chris Taylor as "straight out of Trumpland" and "Orwellian."
Similar actions have been taken by Reform councils in areas like Durham, Leicestershire, Kent, Sunderland, and Gateshead, where Pride flags have been removed from civic buildings and funding for Pride events has been withdrawn. These councils often cite a policy of flying only union, national, county, or armed forces flags.
Critics argue these moves signal a growing anti-acceptance sentiment and create an unwelcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Drew Dalton of Out North East noted that the political climate has shifted Pride events from celebrations to rallies, forcing organizations to move away from council-owned venues and "future-proof" their activities.
In Warwickshire, the local Pride charity reported severe impacts, including increased anxiety, self-harming behaviors, and hate incidents among attendees directly resulting from the administration's policies. However, after a change in the county council's chair from Reform to Conservative, the Pride flag was permitted to be raised.