Proud Together UK

"From the UK to Manhattan: A Mother-Led Mission for Pride"

In a quiet suburb just outside Bristol, a group of mothers gathered one evening over tea, biscuits, and shared concern. Their daughters—bright, brave, and fiercely proud young women—had spent months planning a grassroots LGBTQ+ street celebration to take place during Pride Month. For them, it wasn’t just about rainbow flags and music—it was about being seen, being heard, and claiming space in a world that too often tries to shrink them.

They had hoped to host a local youth-led Pride Protest, inclusive of friends, allies, and queer teens from nearby communities. But despite careful planning, risk assessments, and support from local residents, the council denied the permit. The reason? "Public safety concerns" and "insufficient infrastructure for an unsanctioned event." For the girls, it was a crushing blow. For their mums, it was a call to action.

“These girls deserve a platform,” said Clare, a nurse and mother of 17-year-old Eden. “They want to protest peacefully, celebrate who they are, and feel part of something bigger. If they can’t do it here—we’ll take them somewhere that welcomes them.”

That’s how the idea was born: to send the girls to New York City, to march in the 2025 NYC Pride Protest at the end of June—one of the world’s most iconic celebrations of LGBTQ+ resilience and resistance.

The group of mums, now calling themselves “Proud Together UK,” also known as “Get The Girls To The Event,” launched a grassroots campaign to fundraise for travel, accommodation, and participation costs for eight teens and two youth workers. They’re not a registered charity. They’re just parents, fighting to give their daughters what too many queer kids lack—freedom, community, and joy.

They’ve held bake sales, sponsored walks, and even a drag bingo night at the local community centre. Still, they’re short of the funds needed for flights, insurance, and safe lodging in NYC.

“We’re not just asking for donations,” said Sandra, mum to 16-year-old Zara, who identifies as non-binary. “We’re inviting people to invest in hope. In young people who want to lead with love and show the world they belong.”

They’ve set up a crowdfunder and are now reaching out to allies, activists, businesses, and anyone who believes in the power of protest, pride, and parental love.

Their message is simple:

“If they can’t march here, let them march there. Help us take our daughters from the UK to Manhattan.”

"We are going to pay the parents tickets ourselves" - Says Sandra. "Any donations we get will then be used tp help fund the 6 tickets for the girls. It would mean the world for everyone involved." - Jessica Johnson.