Get ready for Pride (Picture: Getty)

In the wake of the heart-breaking attack which claimed 49 lives at the Pulse gay club in Orlando, Metro.co.uk spoke to LGBT people about why it’s more important than ever to attend.

Increased police presence at London Pride parade following Orlando shooting at LGBT clubThey told us what Pride events mean to them after Omar Mateen’s targeted attack.

And why, this year in particular, they’ll be marking the Pride weekend in the wake of the mass shooting.

Matthew Carr, 30

Matti said the Orlando attacks scared him (Picture: Matthew Carr)

Matti said: ‘I feel like it is incredibly important to attend pride events this year to show unity within our community.




‘As a gay man I’ve been quite lucky and have not experienced much homophobia in my life, but when the attacks in Orlando occurred on June 12th it was the first time in a very long time I felt scared. ‘

The visual fashion merchandiser from Newcastle added: ‘Once I processed what had happened and saw both gay and straight people unite together I then realised it was not a time to be scared but a time to feel proud of who I was.’

Despite his fears, Matti will be attending Pride events this years. ‘This [Orlando] is exactly why we need to attend pride events, to honour those who tragically lost their lives, to show strength and pride during this time.

‘To show that love will win.’

Hannah Stocks, 28

Hannah at Pride in Brighton last year (Picture: Hannah Stocks)

Hannah Stocks, 28, who lives in Brighton told Metro.co.uk: ‘I think the tragic event in Orlando has been a stark reminder to LGBTQ+ community of the battles we still have left to fight.’

For her, the attack on Pulse LGBT nightclub and the outpouring of grief afterwards: ‘Reawakened our sense of Pride, and made it once again about community, equality, visibility and love.’

MORE: Orlando gunman visited gay chatrooms, confirm authorities

Ben Pulsford, 27

Ben with his choir at Pride in Prague (Picture: Ben Pulsford)

Ben Pulsford, a reporter who lives in London, said: ‘The Orlando attack wounded the LGBTQ community and because of that I am so thankful pride is about to shake the world (all over the world!) because what has just happened proves that we STILL need to.

‘Pride allows us to stand up to hate and not just be strong, but flaunt our love. Every single member of the community celebrating pride understands hate and for those like me who will be in the parade on Saturday, we’re saying: “I’m not afraid to be me. I’m not afraid to love… In front of the whole world.”

He added: ‘The attack gave us a tangible reason to stand taller and stronger, together. I know I speak for the rest of the community when I say – we will never be afraid of hate because love always wins and I want all of London to feel that on Saturday.’

Jade Currie, 27

Jade enjoying Pride in a fancy hat Picture: Jade Currie)

Jade Currie, 27, from Newcastle, told us: ‘When you belong to a community that is constantly pushing for visibility and equality within broader society it is hate crimes such as the Orlando attack that highlight the importance of education and acceptance but most of all cherishing your loved ones regardless of sexual preference or gender.



‘Pride, as well as the recent Orlando vigils are vital in that they allow the LGBT+ community to come together in a collective voice to mourn the loss of our LGBT+ brothers and sisters but also to share a message of love and hope for the future.’

Benjamin Spence, 27

Ben with two queens at a vigil for Orlando in Sunderland (Picture: Ben Spence)

Benjamin Spence, 27, said: ‘Pride clearly sends out the colourful message that love is love and that love always wins no matter what.

‘This year I have no doubt that we will beam that message around the World in unity louder than we ever have. One man’s hatred will not defy an army of love.’

The marketing manager from Sunderland added: ‘This year fly that rainbow flag as high as you can. Hold your partners hand as tight as you can.

‘March through your City as loud as you can and never let anybody stop you from being who you are.’

Amanda Langridge, 27

Amanda and her girlfriend Kirstie (Picture: Amanda Langridge)

And Amanda Langridge, from Chester told us: ‘We must stand united and give our support to those who have lost so much.

‘Together we can lead by example, show the world how to love and accept regardless of our differences.’

Pride in London Pride in London main parade takes place over this weekend, the 25-26 of June. The festival showcases the talent and diversity from the LGBT community.