STV NewsThousands of people have taken to the streets of Glasgow to celebrate Pride.
Glasgow Pride is marking its 25th organised march on Saturday after 30 years of Pride in the city.
The first march was organised in June 1996 as a protest for LGBTQ+ rights.
Rachel came to the march with her child, Bessy May.
“For me, this is about acceptance, love, integrity and authenticity,” Rachel told STV News.
“This is Bessy May’s first time at Pride as a young adult. As a mum, I’m so proud to bring them here, to be who they are. We need a bit more of that in today’s world.”
STV NewsBessy May added: “It feels like a sense of community. You’re not alone in this, we’re all together and we can experience the hardships together.
“It’s like a family, even if you don’t know anybody.”
Another attendee had travelled from Perth with a friend.
“I’m an older gay man – it’s important to remember I once struggled and needed this,” he said.
STV News“People just like me, LGBTQ+ people of all colours, shapes and sizes; this gives us the one place to be seen every year.
“It’s a sense of community and visibility. It’s great to see a fantastic turnout.”
Attendee Patricia described a march as “absolutely amazing.”
“Pride for me is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a protest for our rights. This is a time for us to come together to speak our truth.”
STV NewsStarting at Glasgow Green, the parade marched along the Clyde into the city, with thousands of people dancing to music along the route before returning to the Green.
The march included multiple corporate supporters including train company Lumo, Irn-Bru maker AG Barr and Scottish Water.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was also marching in support of Time for Inclusive Education.
Multiple events are planned throughout the day, with Liberty X and Ultrabeat headlining the event.
Other acts include Honey G, Kelly Wilde and Just The Brave and a Chappell Roan tribute act.
STV NewsHowever, the event faced criticism from campaigners and Scottish Greens over its sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola, a company subject to a Palestine-led boycott campaign.
Glasgow Southside MSP Holly Bruce said: “Pride began as a protest against oppression, not as a corporate branding opportunity.
“Glasgow’s Pride should drop Coca-Cola, adopt transparent BDS-aligned sponsorship rules and sign the Fossil Free Pride pledge.
“I recognise how hard it is to fund and organise a major event, but who pays for Pride matters.”
A counter-protest by No Pride in Genocide was also held on Glasgow Green.
Glasgow Pride has been contacted for comment.
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