Local Prides Criticised Primark Partnership

Pride organisers call out lack of local benefit and unethical production concerns in LGBT charity’s Primark partnership.
RETAIL GIANT Primark’s Pride range, which will donate 20 per cent of profits to LGBT charity Stonewall UK, has come under fire after it emerged that the products will be manufactured in Turkey, China and Myanmar – all of which have poor LGBT rights records.
However, the decision has been met with criticism, including from Newcastle Pride organisers – who last week announced that they had to scale down aspects of their event due to lack of funding.
“It is great that a big company like Primark wants to lend their support to the LGBT community but I do worry about the impact this will have on the community led organisations like ourselves up and down the country,” said Stephen Willis, festival director of Newcastle Pride.
“Stonewall do an amazing job but they are a national organisation with a large presence, whereas local Prides are more often than not organised by volunteers with a lack of sponsorship and funding.”
“Many Prides rely on generating income from selling merchandise but if Primark are selling their own range at discount prices, this will direct much needed funds away from actual Prides, which are struggling as it is.”
Primark uses a number of factories in Bangladesh, where homosexuality has been illegal since 1861. In 2009, as well as in 2013, the Bangladeshi Parliament refused to overturn Section 377 – and yet there may be LGBTQ+ factory workers in the country producing garments emblazoned with ‘#PROUD’ and ‘LOVE IS LOVE’ in bright rainbow colours. On Primark’s webpage for the range, they state that “Stonewall is the UK’S leading LGBT charity, working to create a world where EVERYONE is accepted without exception.” But apparently, this doesn’t extend to the employees potentially having to produce the Pride merchandise.
“If you’re a gay or a bisexual man in Bangladesh, and you are found guilty of a homosexual act, which is illegal because it’s ‘against nature’, you can be sentenced to up to life in prison,” Steve Taylor, board member of EuroPride and co-founder of the UK Pride Network, explains. “There have been arrests and cases in the last three years where men have be en prosecuted and charged with for committing homosexual acts.
“Considering Primark is tailoring the range to the cities they are selling them in, their support may have been better allocated by partnering with local organisations so they could help to sustain future Prides,” said Stephen.
“Although the community has come a long way, LGBT people are still suffering from homophobia and hate crime and that is why hosting Pride parades remains important – to reinforce the message of equality and offer people a space they feel safe and accepted.”
Newcastle Pride of this year takes place 20 – 22 July, under a big top tent at Nuns Moor Park, which will be consisted of with huge musical line-up, including headlining performances from Alexandra Burke and S Club.
Along with the main stage, a range of market stalls, a fun fair, the family and youth zone, the Steve Paske health zone, eight food stalls and five bars will also be available on site.
The event is free to attend, but if anyone wants to to support Newcastle Pride he or she can do so by making a donation, buying merchandise or upgrading to Golden Circle or VIP tickets at www.northern-pride.com.
Visit Northern Pride’s website or search northernprideuk on Facebook or Twitter for more information.
> Shiuly Rina