Several pro-Palestine LGBTQ+ organizations are boycotting Pride in London’s parade due to concerns over sponsors’ ties to Israel’s occupation. Groups like Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants and Queers for Palestine accuse sponsors like Cisco, Coca-Cola, and Tesco of “pinkwashing” issues. Pride in London, hosting 1.5 million attendees in 2023, emphasized ethical partnerships.
Alternative events like “Muslim Pride” and “Decolonizing Pride” are being organized. Cisco’s involvement with the Israeli military and Coca-Cola’s operation in Israeli settlements are highlighted. Lidl, Tesco, and Deutsche Bank’s connections to Israel also factored into the boycott decision.
Pride in London responded, expressing disappointment at the boycott and stating all partnerships are carefully evaluated. Queers for Palestine is holding a separate event on the same day. Imaan LGBTQI Muslim Support and others are standing in solidarity against corporations profiting from Palestine’s suffering.
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