Exploring the back streets at London Pride 2017
- Text by Dominique Sisley
- Photography by Theo McInnes
This weekend, Pride took over the streets of London. The annual march, now in its 45th year, has become an almost integral part of the LGBT experience – with thousands of revellers across the capital taking to the streets to celebrate their sexuality.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the creeping commercialisation of the parade has become harder to ignore. Now, the big brands at Pride are loud, prominent, and unavoidable: emblazoning themselves across double-decker buses (HSBC), cock-shaped rainbow flags (Nandos), and even hosting their own parade floats (Tesco). While this may not necessarily be a bad thing – it’s better to show support than not, after all – the mass corporate sponsorship has left many mourning over a loss of soul and authenticity at the parade.
Here, photographer Theo McInnes veers away from the crowds and corporations and into the side streets, in an attempt to find the real heart of the party.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
The legendary trans artist & illustrator behind Drag magazine
A new book brings together pioneer Vicky West’s luminous illustrations of fantasy, femininity and fashion.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Why did police taser a Bristol grandfather in the face?
Trailblazing documentary I Am Judah chronicles community champion Ras Judah Adunbi’s horrific treatment at the hands of the police and his fight for justice.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.
Written by: Josh Jones
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.
Written by: Miss Rosen