Until: 6 June 2026
Where: Fab (Fringe Arts Bath)
On 18 May 2026, the annual Rainbow Map of Europe showed that the UK ranks 22nd for
the respect of LGBTIQ+ rights among 49 European countries. Shockingly, it is now the worst
country in Western Europe for LGBTIQ+ rights, surpassed only by Italy.
As a photojournalist who focuses on protests and human rights, I’ve documented numerous
LGBTIQ+ demonstrations in London, but I’ve only sought access to the “official” London Pride
parade once. The commercialisation of Pride in London is pervasive, transforming what was once
a vibrant protest into a highly branded event that caters more to tourists than to its origins and the
community’s needs.
The rampant commercialisation strips the event of its authenticity and memory, turning the historic
Pride riots into a caricature of a party rather than a reminder of a fight for rights. Hence, I gravitate
toward smaller, more grassroots protests, often led by those at the intersections of marginalised
identities— minorities among the minority.
The photographs I’ve collected over the last five years capture a range of emotions, transitioning
from intimate and touching moments to portraits of those who spearheaded the original Pride
march, as seen during the July 2022 Pride Is a Protest demo in London. They also reflect recent
demonstrations advocating for trans rights, their inclusion in the protections against conversion
therapies, the protection of trans kids’right to choose about their bodies, and last year’s outraged
protests against the toilet ban for trans people.
These images reveal a community still marked by resilience, shared purpose, and the refusal to
forget the historical context of their struggles. The spirit of activism and solidarity remains alive,
showing that the fight for inclusivity and recognition persists.
Sabrina Merolla
www.sabrinamerolla.co.uk
@sabrinamero