A joyful and proud group of Jewish participants from Southwest London – including members of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, The Wimbledon Synagogue and North West Surrey Synagogue – took part in this year’s London Pride, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and affirming the importance of Jewish visibility in public spaces.

Joined by Rabbi Adrian Schell of Wimbledon Synagogue, the group marched under the banner of Progressive Jewish values, celebrating the diversity and dignity of queer Jewish lives. The group received warm support and encouragement throughout the day.

Rabbi Adrian said: “Our presence at Pride was not a protest against others who chose not to march. It was a statement for visibility. Queer Jews and their allies belong at Pride. We are part of the vibrant, beautiful tapestry of this city and its LGBTQI+ community.”

The delegation from Southwest London joined the parade with the message that Jewish and LGBTQI+ identities are not mutually exclusive and that silence must no longer obscure those living at this intersection.

“For too long, Jewish voices have been pushed to the edges of public discourse, and queer Jewish voices even more so,” Rabbi Adrian continued. “There are still too many LGBTQI+ Jews who feel they must hide, and too many Jews in general who remain unseen in workplaces, schools, universities, and even among friends. On Sunday, we marched for them as well.”

The group reported no incidents of antisemitism or hostility and was met with warmth and celebration. Rabbi Schell extended special thanks to the Community Security Trust (CST) for their guidance and care during the event, and to the Pride organisers for their inclusive spirit.

All three Synagogues, its queer members and their allies are committed to returning next year and hope to see even more members of the Jewish community join them in celebrating love, equality, and the freedom to be seen.

Many members of our communities were also among the 2,000 people who gathered in Soho for an alternative Jewish LGBTQI+ celebration, feeling unable to take part in London Pride event after it declined to provide antisemitism awareness training for its stewards.