London Met march in solidarity with thousands of organisations and spectators celebrating Pride in London.
Date: 7 July 2026
London Met staff and students, including members of the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network, the LGBT+ Student Society, and their allies joined 35,000 marchers to celebrate Pride on Saturday 4 July, that over 1 million people were expected to attend.
A sea of rainbow, celebration and voices met the march as thousands of spectators from all generations and identities joined together along the route from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, reflecting this year’s theme ‘Many Voices, One Front’.
London Met participants wore colourful t-shirts with ‘Reflecting the Real London’ on the front, which also adorned the open top, rainbow-themed Routemaster bus, and mirrors that were handed out to members of the public.
The University’s float was very popular among the crowd, with members of the public and marchers catching their reflections in the mirror, striking a pose or taking a photo with a loved one. Drag Queens Envy and DJ Milk Shandy provided music and entertainment as attendees sang and danced their way to Whitehall.
‘Reflecting the Real London’ celebrates the University as a mirror of inclusivity and representation, centring on the idea that individuals see themselves reflected in London Met's multi-faceted community.
Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor for London Met, said: “Our engagement and attendance at Pride is more vital than ever, to show an outward display of support for our wonderful LGBTQIA+ community, and our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Every person should have the opportunity to be seen, be heard, be valued and be themselves, and I’m proud that we at London Met, truly reflect that.”
Professor Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Met, who participated in this year’s Pride with his family, donning a full rainbow beard, echoed Julie’s message: “London Met is where everybody is included and everybody has a place, and it’s really important we show that to the community, and involve the community – we are here for them, and they can come to us.”
This year’s theme ‘Many Voices, One Front’ called upon LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies to stand together, whether a voice from the first Pride in 1972 or a first timer. A particular focus this year was the critical issues affecting communities – trans healthcare rights, Black and Brown queer visibility, chosen family rights and ending hate crime.
Jhoan Davila Alvarez, BA Digital Media student and President of the LGBTQ+ Society, said: “Pride is especially important now because many LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans people, are facing increasing discrimination and having their rights challenged around the world. Pride reminds us that equality isn’t guaranteed, and that we need to continue standing together, supporting one another, and making our voices heard.”
Yolieris Diaz Rivera, London Met graduate and staff member, who attended Pride for the first time last year added, “The real London to me means the real London – immigration, diversity, everything. No matter where you’re from, what you look like, what language you speak, everyone matters and everyone has a place. It’s a hard time for the world right now, so being here with my friends, with so many people in London, coming together and celebrating Pride, it makes me proud, and it makes me hopeful.”
London Mayor and London Met alumnus, Sadiq Khan, led Pride in London, the UK’s largest Pride parade, and commented on what makes London so special, “Pride is a celebration of our LGBTQIA+ communities and the diversity that makes our city so special. It’s a celebration and a protest, and I will always fight for equality and a fairer London for everyone.”
Community, collaboration and inclusivity is core to London Met’s values. Someone who found their place in London is Taya Mwah, a London Met student and drag queen, telling us through the singing and shouting from the crowd, “The real London to me is belonging, I moved here from South Wales Valleys and I found myself here, and so many others find themselves too – I mean look around!! It’s Pride, and it’s belonging.”
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