The 2014 British film Pride is more than just an LGBTQ+ movie; it’s a powerful, uplifting, and at times deeply emotional story about the solidarity between two seemingly unrelated groups: LGBTQ+ activists and striking miners in Wales during the 1984-1985 UK miners' strike. Directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Stephen Beresford, the film brings to life a little-known but profoundly moving chapter of British history, showing how the struggle for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ liberation intersected in a moment of political and social upheaval.
The film’s narrative is based on true events and explores how a group of LGBTQ+ activists from London formed Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) and threw their support behind the striking miners, who were facing brutal opposition from Margaret Thatcher’s government. The film not only highlights the power of solidarity but also serves as a testament to the idea that marginalized communities can unite to achieve political change.
Setting the Scene: The UK in 1984
Before delving into the specific events depicted in Pride, it’s essential to understand the socio-political landscape of the UK in 1984. Thatcher’s government was implementing neoliberal policies that decimated industries like coal mining, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty in working-class communities, particularly in places like Wales, Scotland, and northern England. In response, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) called for a strike, and the conflict between the miners and the government escalated into one of the most significant industrial disputes in British history.
At the same time, LGBTQ+ people were fighting their own battles. Homophobia was rampant, and the AIDS epidemic was starting to ravage the gay community. The press and politicians frequently demonized LGBTQ+ people, and discriminatory laws were still in place. LGBTQ+ rights were not yet widely accepted, and the gay liberation movement was still in its relatively early stages. This created an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals and communities were struggling for visibility and equality.
The Formation of LGSM: Building Bridges Between Struggles
The heart of Pride lies in the formation of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), a group of LGBTQ+ activists who decided to support the miners' cause. Mark Ashton, portrayed by Ben Schnetzer in the film, was a central figure in the creation of LGSM. A staunch socialist and activist, Ashton saw the parallels between the struggles of the miners and those faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Both groups were being oppressed by the state and demonized by the media, making solidarity a natural step for Ashton and his fellow activists.
The decision to support the miners wasn’t without controversy, even within the LGBTQ+ community. Some LGBTQ+ individuals were wary of supporting a group that they feared might be homophobic. However, the activists persisted, believing that by showing solidarity, they could help change hearts and minds within both the LGBTQ+ and mining communities.
LGSM began raising funds to support the miners, but they faced resistance from some trade unions and local authorities who did not want to be associated with LGBTQ+ groups. Undeterred, the activists decided to bypass traditional structures and take their donations directly to a mining community in Wales. This decision set the stage for one of the film’s most moving and transformative plotlines.
The Arrival in Wales: Overcoming Prejudices
In Pride, the moment when LGSM arrives in the small mining town of Onllwyn in Wales is a pivotal one. The cultural and social divide between the cosmopolitan, progressive activists from London and the conservative, traditional mining community in Wales is immediately apparent. The film portrays this initial tension with humor and sensitivity, as the miners and their families are unsure of how to react to their new supporters.
However, over time, the two groups begin to form a bond. The LGBTQ+ activists demonstrate their genuine commitment to the miners' cause, and the people of Onllwyn start to see them not as outsiders but as allies. One of the film’s most touching moments comes when the older women in the mining community, led by Hefina Headon (played by Imelda Staunton), begin to embrace the activists, showing that solidarity and friendship can overcome deeply ingrained prejudices.The journey from skepticism to acceptance is not without its setbacks. Some characters in the film, particularly miner Maureen (played by Lisa Palfrey), resist the idea of forming an alliance with LGBTQ+ activists, fearing that it will bring shame to the community. Yet, even as these tensions play out, the film underscores the transformative power of human connection. The people of Onllwyn come to see that the LGBTQ+ activists are fighting for the same things they are: dignity, respect, and the right to live without oppression.
The Power of Solidarity: Political and Social Change
Pride does an exceptional job of illustrating the ways in which solidarity between marginalized groups can lead to political and social change. By standing with the miners, LGSM not only provided crucial financial support but also helped to change public perceptions of LGBTQ+ people. The film shows that through their activism, the members of LGSM were able to challenge homophobia within the miners' ranks, while also raising awareness of the miners' plight among LGBTQ+ people.
This mutual support culminated in a historic moment at the 1985 Labour Party Conference. As depicted in the film, the National Union of Mineworkers reciprocated the solidarity they had received by supporting a motion calling for the Labour Party to officially recognize LGBTQ+ rights. This was a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ movement and a testament to the impact of the alliance between the two groups.
The film’s conclusion reinforces the message that when oppressed communities come together, they can achieve lasting change. The closing moments, which show members of LGSM marching alongside miners at London Pride, serve as a powerful reminder that solidarity is a force to be reckoned with.
The Legacy of Pride: Lessons for Today
Though Pride is set in the 1980s, its themes are as relevant today as they were then. The film’s exploration of solidarity between different oppressed groups resonates in a world where the fight for equality and justice is far from over. The alliance between LGBTQ+ activists and the miners is a model for how disparate groups can work together to challenge systems of oppression.
One of the most important lessons from Pride is the idea that social justice movements are interconnected. The struggles for workers' rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equality are all part of the broader fight against inequality. As Mark Ashton says in the film, "One community should give a hand to another." This message is especially relevant in today’s political climate, where marginalized communities continue to face attacks from governments, corporations, and right-wing movements.
The story of LGSM and the miners also highlights the importance of grassroots activism. It wasn’t politicians or institutions that made the alliance between these two groups possible—it was ordinary people, working together in the face of adversity, who brought about real change. This speaks to the power of community organizing and the potential for individuals to make a difference.
Conclusion: Pride as a Film for All Time
Pride is more than just a film about the LGBTQ+ community; it’s a celebration of the power of solidarity, empathy, and human connection. By bringing to light the little-known story of LGSM and the miners, the film reminds us that even in the darkest times, people can come together to fight for justice. The alliance between LGBTQ+ activists and the miners shows that when we stand together, we are stronger and more capable of bringing about the change we want to see in the world.
The lessons of Pride are timeless, and the film serves as an enduring reminder of the potential for unity across struggles. As we continue to fight for equality and justice in today’s world, the story of LGSM and the miners provides a source of inspiration and hope. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to live with dignity, respect, and equality.