Pride Month is back for 2026!
It's a time of protest, celebration, and reflection - both, here in the UK, and around the world
"Pride Month is so important," RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Elektra Fence has been telling us - as the UK marks the occasion once again for 2026.
As we enter June, here and around the world, LGBTQ+ communities are marking what is, and has been for many years now, a time of protest, celebration, and reflection.
Elektra added: "Look at where the world's going right now - and that's exactly why we need it.
"I think what Pride Month brings is happiness.
"We're just there to have a good time, and tell people that it's okay to be who you are.
"Just be you - that's what it's all about.
"Pride is that time when people are just... happy - because that's all we're doing, we're just trying to live our lives, you know?"
It started nearly 60 years ago with the now infamous Stonewall Riots, an emblematic protest against police brutality that catalysed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, over in the US.
The riots took place in New York on 28th June 1969, and now, Pride marches and events honour its legacy, fostering a space for advocacy, celebration, and community support.
It was only a few years later, back on July 1st 1972, when UK's first official Pride march historically took place in London, where an estimated 2,000 people attended.
A Platform for Change
Early Pride events in the UK served as demonstrations advocating for equal rights and the decriminalisation of homosexual acts, transforming over the years into vibrant festivals occurring across major cities like Manchester, Brighton, and London.
The 1967 Sexual Offences Act partially decriminalised homosexuality, yet many LGBTQ+ individuals continued facing legal challenges, prompting further protests.
Throughout the summer, diverse locations host Pride marches, reflecting regional milestones.
From Brighton’s first march in 1973 to the establishment of Liverpool's council-affiliated march in 2010, these events continually adapt to embrace inclusivity and diversity.
"The people that attend - that's truly who it's for"
But what about the backdrop of today?
Well Pride Month - and Pride events - are said to be as important in 2026 than ever, particularly among the backdrop of recent political movements.
And it's not just about the Pride events themselves which are important, as Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard told us - it's about the spreading of pure joy.
Danny told Hits Radio Pride: "You know, I've had people ask me, when attending Pride events across the country, why I'm going there - and I just tell them that I'm a true believer that we should support all of them, no matter how big or small they are.
"The people that attend - that's truly who it's for.
"Often, especially with the young people in our community, Pride events are the first place where people can truly feel safe, truly seen, and truly be themselves.
"So, where there's a Pride event, I'm usually there... And Angie Brown.
"And failing that, Lucy Spraggan's definitely going to be there, so between the three of us, we are serving the community!"
The Supreme Court ruling
Recently, and most notably, the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of 'sex' in the Equality Act finally saw official guidance published over the use of single-sex spaces - more than a year after the case came to its conclusion.
However, latest Government analysis has warned of a 'risk of tension' between disabled and trans people over toilet access, following the new guidance coming out on single-sex spaces.
It says a third, or gender-neutral space, should be offered - after confirmation places like changing rooms must be used on the basis of biological sex.
Read more: Guidance finally published in wake of landmark Supreme Court gender ruling
Elsewhere, and the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month also took place earlier this year.
For 2026, it also highlighted the importance of diverse teams in the worlds of science and innovation - as well as reflecting on the discrimination faced by queer people as a result of the misuse of science.
You can read more about it here: LGBT+ History Month 2026 celebrates 'Science and innovation'
"There is diversity everywhere"
Jake Graf - international multi award winning director, writer and actor - known for his roles in 'The Danish Girl' and 'Colette', and for viral hit 'Headspace' has also been catching-up with Hits Radio Pride this Pride Month.
Jake - who transitioned in 2008 - uses his platform to give a voice to the trans male community, and has described Pride Month as a chance for celebration.
"Let's not forget, Pride Month started as a protest, it is of course also a celebration, and it's that celebration which we really need to be doing as a community," Jake said.
"Everyone knows someone who's a little bit different, a lot of people will have trans kids or trans siblings, and sometimes even parents.
"So, I think it's really important to remember that there is diversity everywhere.
"They're not doing any harm, they're just trying to pay their bills, get through the day, make sure their kids are at school and just live their lives.
"There really doesn't need to be all this anger and this division.
"I'm particularly looking forward to my local Pride event - in London - where me and my wife Hannah will be up on stage - and you just see so many kinds of flags, and people there just looking happy and feeling accepted and safe.
"And it's those three things - feeling happy, accepted and safe - we should be striving for every single day."
You can check out the story about Jake and Hannah here - as well as Jake's new book here.
"We're fighting, and things will get better"
Pride in 2026 is also a really important time to share what's been happening in the world of sport - not just darts, where the first openly gay referee Huw Ware is often calling the scores on-stage at venues across the UK.
In Huw's sport, it was recently when we learnt that trans women darts players are no longer able to compete in women's tournaments - following a ruling by the Darts Regulation Authority.
Elsewhere, and in the months following the Supreme Court ruling on gender, trans male football players were no longer allowed to play in the professional game, whilst the International Olympic Committee also recently updated its guidance, confirming how eligibility for any female category event is now limited to biological females.
In light of this, Huw says it's a really challenging time.
He told Hits Radio Pride: "In my sport of darts, there have been ups and downs, I'm going to be completely honest, but in the main, it's better than it used to be.
"It's a particularly tough time at the moment in the sport, because darts has just basically banned trans women from taking part in the Women's Series - and that's the current fight that we're on, at the moment.
"And it feels that maybe lost this battle, but the war isn't over.
"The thing that I can't get over at the moment are the parallels between gay people back in the '50s and '60s compared to trans people today.
"I just wish that we would learn from our own history, because we've learnt that gay people are not what we used to perceive them to be.
"I've had people in darts say to me, 'Wasn't it dreadful how we used to treat gay people?' And I just want to tell them back about just how we're throwing tropes about transgender people today, with no evidence whatsoever.
"What about the emotional and mental perception that transgender people have in the world, when does that become valid in the conversation?
"But I don't think we're even ready to have this conversation at the moment.
"It's truly a dreadful time for the trans community, and in sport and wider society, there still a lot of challenges, but we're fighting, and things will get better.
"I truly believe that."
You can check out Huw's Facebook channel - Out on the Oche - darts' official LGBT+ supporters group - here.
Notts Pride
And we wouldn't be talking about Pride Month without focusing on the hundreds of Pride events taking place up and down the UK this month - and over the next few months.
One of the locations to have recently hit the headlines is Nottingham.
It comes as plans were announced last year for the city's brand-new Rainbow Quarter - an LGBTQ+ district and dedicated safe zone, which aims to boost local businesses and celebrate the city's queer history.
Sam Harvey is the co-director of the Nottingham Pastel Project - the organisation which has spearheaded it all.
Sam told Hits Radio Pride: "The Rainbow Quarter has been in the works for about two years, now, and the work that we've been doing behind the scenes is all about making sure it's not just about 'rainbow-washing' the area, but it has genuine, strong links to the community.
"Nottingham - outside of London - is one of the country's most gender-diverse cities, and what we identified is that we were lacking that permanent space for people to gather which is our own.
"The lack of specific LGBT+ spaces hasn't necessarily been a bad thing, though, as it's helped increase the wider visibility and acceptance of the queer community, however, having a place to call our own just does more to support our safety, for example.
"At the moment, too, with trans rights specifically, we're seeing a lot of negativity, and I think the public perception is changing - and a lot of that is down to a lack of visibility.
"So, by normalising being open and proud, I think that's really going to improve the work we do more widely at the Pastel Project."
Leigh Ellis is the chair of Notts Pride, and has been telling us how the announcement of a Rainbow Quarter has been a long-standing hope for the organisation.
Leigh added: "More than 10 years ago, when we moved the event back into the historic area, we've hoped to add more visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, so this is just a great thing to see.
"It's well-deserved, and something that we truly welcome, and when people march through the area, they'll feel that sense of history which is just so important."
Under his leadership, Notts Pride has grown the East Midlands' largest free LGBTQ+ event into a massive celebration.
And are their plans for this year?
Well Leigh used just two words to describe it: 'Bolder and brighter'.
He said: "We want to celebrate our community, the fact we have the new Rainbow Quarter, and that we're getting ever closer to our 30th anniversary.
"And we've been doing so much in the months leading up to it.
"Most notably, back in October, we received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
"As a result of that, we set up the Notts Pride Community Hub, and that's a safe space we've opened up, and provide something that's not always available in all cities.
"We also hosted a Winter Ball, and celebrated LGBT+ History Month, and so much more - all to try and keep supporting our community across the year all under a backdrop of increasing financial pressure, which Pride events are facing across the country.
"As we look to the future, we're always working to raise the funding to ensure that we keep Notts Pride sustainable.
"It's free to attend, and we believe that it should remain that way.
"You shouldn't have to buy a ticket to celebrate equality and diversity in your own city."
Stephen from the Traitors: "I'll be out, probably sporting something loud and obnoxious - which I think everyone should do"
Having shot to fame on The Traitors, with 10 million watching him and Rachel Duffy snatch the prize pot in the last series, the style icon that is Stephen Libby has been telling Hits Radio Pride about his plans for Pride in 2026... and he's going big.
"I love Pride - it's another event where you see outfits spanning the weird and the wonderful, and it's just so good to celebrate all facets of our community.
"I'll be out there, in London, celebrating, and probably sporting something quite loud and obnoxious, which I think everyone should do!
"Pride is all about making yourself seen and making yourself heard."
This all comes as a new poll - commissioned by National Express - has revealed celebrity style is playing a major role in how festival-goers choose their outfits.
The research revealed how big stadium gigs are increasingly defined by their fashion as much as their sound - with fans going all out, from cowboy boots to bedazzled dresses, as bold, expressive outfits become part of the experience.
Since grabbing the attention of the nation with this flamboyant dress sense, he's transcended the world of celebrity and social media - and recently checked out Kylie Minogue's closet.
He said: "Kylie was just a staple in any household back in the 90s, and even before that, and to go through her archives and see 40 years of distinct decades of fashion was so much fun.
"It was just a dream come true for me.
"If you'd told me that I'd be standing with Kylie Minogue, with her archival clothing, chatting about that, I would have called you a liar and told you to leave the room!
Stephen's revealed how growing up queer in a small, isolated community was tough.
He spent years hiding his true self, but it was this skill which he reckons ultimately helped him win the show and take home nearly £50,000 on The Traitors.
And for Pride Month, Stephen reflected on a particular poignant moment which sums up what it means to him.
He told Hits Radio Pride: "Seven or eight years ago, Stornoway hosted its first ever Isle of Lewis Pride, and it was a very emotional moment for me.
"I went home especially for it, because I remember thinking as a child that I'd never thought I'd see the day.
"I come from a place which has strong roots with religion, and I don't think that's a terrible thing, but I like now that the two things can live in harmony with each other."
And if there's one piece of fashion advice you need for Pride season, Stephen says it's all about one piece of clothing for him.
"What I love is seeing men do things with fashion that you wouldn't normally associate with men's fashion - David Bowie, for instance, back in his day, was partial to the odd jumpsuit.
"Today, Harry Styles has a similar vibe today, where he doesn't usually conform to the standard look.
"For me, I might look tall, but it's all about the high-waisted trousers which make your legs look super long.
"I think that gives that illusion that I'm towering over everyone - which is absolutely fine by me!
"The higher the waist, the closer to God - or whatever the saying is!"
Support is available
Help and support is available for any of the issues raised in this article.
There are useful mental health contacts over on the Mind website.
The LGBT Foundation also provides useful links signposting where to get the right help and support.
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ helpline.