AS Brighton celebrates one of the UK’s most iconic Pride celebrations this weekend, a spotlight shines on a man whose fearless activism helped shape the movement as we know it today.
Ted Brown, a lifelong campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his decades of activism and his enduring legacy as a trailblazer for equality, dignity, and justice.
Brown was instrumental in organising the UK’s very first Gay Pride March in 1972, a bold act of defiance at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility was both rare and risky. Since then, he has continued to lead from the front, co-founding key groups that tackled both racism and homophobia, and never backing down in the face of adversity.
Now in his seventies, Ted remains an active voice for change, and tomorrow he will once again take his place at the front of Brighton’s Pride Parade—a celebration rooted in protest, perseverance, and pride.
His honorary degree is not just a personal accolade, but a powerful reminder of why Pride exists, to celebrate identity, honour resilience and demand equality for all.
Organisers and supporters have described Brown’s recognition as ‘long overdue’, with many praising his unwavering courage and tireless efforts to create a more inclusive and just society.
Pride continues on Sunday at Preston Park with act such as Fat Boy Slim, Will Young, Natalie Imbruglia and Sugababes.
