Labour MP Defends Pride Month in Emotional House of Commons Address

In a heartfelt and rousing address delivered in the House of Commons on Monday, Sir Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for Rhondda and Ogmore and Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts & Tourism, laid bare the enduring necessity of Pride.

He began with a reflection on his own journey, and on wider societal perceptions, recalling that even well-intentioned individuals have questioned: “Why do we still need Pride Month? Haven’t we already achieved equality?” 

Defying the notion that the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility is over, Sir Chris delivered a passionate reminder that:

“We needed it when people lazily assumed that a short haircut meant you were a lesbian… We needed it when the police wore rubber gloves to arrest us, just in case we gave them AIDS… And we need Pride now, when kids are still bullied… families still throw their LGBT children out… many take their own lives… trans people are abused… and homosexuality is still illegal in 63 countries.” 

Above his colleague and former vicar roots, Sir Chris interwove humour with hard truths, pointing out that stereotypes still linger (“not all gay men like musicals”), and underscored that coming out remains a radical act. He reminded MPs that Pride originates from protest as well as celebration, standing as a defense against both historical and recent oppression.

The speech resonated strongly across social media and news outlets, serving as a stark reminder that despite legal progress, LGBTQ+ visibility and safety are far from universal. In his words, “As long as anyone feels the need to hide who they are, this month will be needed.”

Why It Matters

• Visibility & Mental Health: Sir Chris emphasized that Pride offers vital representation, particularly for youth who face bullying or rejection at home.
  
• Cultural Shift Reminder: He pressed that tolerance on paper doesn’t eliminate stigma; repeated coming-out speaks volumes.
  
• Global Solidarity: Highlighting the plight of LGBTQ+ people in Hungary and in 63 countries still criminalizing homosexuality, he urged ongoing international advocacy.
  

Sir Chris Bryant’s powerful parliamentary intervention both celebrates Pride and soberly warns that progress remains incomplete, making his message as urgent as ever.