Blog 1: Introduction - What is Haringey has Pride?
Jacksons Lane presents Haringey Has Pride which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported through partnerships with Wise Thoughts, Homes for Haringey, Chocolate Films and Alexandra Palace. It celebrates the 1980’s LGBTQ heritage of Haringey, and promotes equal rights socially and politically. Section 28 legislation was part of the local government act 1988, brought in by Margret Thatcher, and was a controversial law which band the promotion of same sex relationships. Haringey Council took a strong stand against this with its’ own “Positive Images” campaign through a 1987 North London Pride Festival, much of which took place in Tottenham and Wood Green.
This is where fringe groups formed to support similar and associated causes against the section 28 legislation with a Haringey Council and Gay Unit supporting LGBTQ people. A bookstore called Reading Matters selling materials supporting LGBTQ communities and was the center of a large campaign to save the space when faced with closure.
This was a very powerful time for LGBTQ activism in the borough having a national impact but there is danger this heritage is getting lost. Haringey Has Pride is vital in educating Haringey residents about the important role the borough has played in LGBTQ rights and awaken a new energy for LGBTQ awareness. Haringey Has Pride seeks to by recreating the 1989 Haringey Pride with workshops, events and exhibitions highlighting the LGBTQ+ communities achievements, a reminisce documentary capturing the lived experiences of 80’s LGBTQ+ heritage in Haringey in partnership with Chocolate Films and Homes for Haringey and a community play made in partnership with Alexandra Palace, professional theatre maker Kay Adshead and a cast of community members, inspired by this LGBTQ+ history. These events aim to bring everyone together to teach the community about key moments of the heritage.