On Saturday 20th June, Edinburgh will burst into colour as the LGBTQIA+ community comes together for a day of parties and parades. Pride Edinburgh is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, the aim of which is to recognise and celebrate the positive impact the LGBTQIA+ community has had, and continues to have, in the world. It’s a fantastic day of fun in the city, but it’s also a great opportunity to educate yourself about the history of Pride and the challenges still faced by the LGBTQIA+ community today. Members of the Waterside Clinic will be there to celebrate on the day and we hope to see lots of you there. In the meantime, read on to discover what it’s all about, and how the team at Waterside Clinic show their support, not just during Pride, but all year round.
How it all began
In June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York’s Greenwich Village. Riots erupted and the LGBTQIA+ community mobilised themselves – they simply wanted to have the same freedoms as others enjoyed, to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest. A year later, the very first LGBTQIA+ march of its kind took place in New York, and since then the Pride movement has grown across the world.
Remembering those who paved the way
Whilst Pride is a joyful celebration featuring music and dance, colour and costumes, it is also a time to remember those LGBTQIA+ heroes who have gone before. Those who remember the HIV/Aids crisis, those who have suffered hate crimes, those who fought bravely for gay marriage and trans rights, and those who continue to push for equality for all.
Get involved
Throughout the day there will be plenty to get involved in, not least the spectacular Pride march which will set off at 1pm from the Scottish Parliament. Join the march or cheer from the sidelines as the parade heads up the Canongate and High Street, turns onto George IV Bridge, and passes down Bristo Place and Potterrow before reaching the festival area at Bristo Square.
How Waterside Clinic supports the LGBTQIA+ community all year round
The spirit of Pride is essentially about acceptance, it’s about embracing who you truly are so you can lead your best life. And that is something that Waterside Clinic wholeheartedly supports – in fact it’s something that our team works tirelessly with many patients to achieve. We offer a safe and welcoming environment to all, a place where anyone can talk openly about their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.
Our services are inclusive and accessible, we welcome everyone as an individual and we respect each person’s right to anonymity.
If you would like to speak to a healthcare professional within a safe and supportive environment, call 0131 202 5314 or hello@waterside.clinic and we’ll be happy to help you.