London Pride

Whether you’re gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, London welcomes you with open arms, so take the opportunity to broaden your horizons and paint the town pink, says Sam Rogg.

- Sam Rogg

As you walk through Soho, an area famed for its flamboyant shops and fun-loving bars, it’s hard to believe that being gay was ever a crime in London. And yet until 1967, like much of the world, you could be convicted in England simply for loving the wrong person. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in this country, and while the transition hasn’t always been smooth, today the capital boasts one of the largest gay populations in Europe and a thriving LGBT+ scene that can be enjoyed by all.

SOHO AND BEYOND

Spanning one square mile near Oxford Street, Soho is the capital’s most famous district and the historic epicentre of London’s LGBT+ scene. It’s here that people of all sexualities have sought refuge over the centuries, including writer Oscar Wilde, who was eventually jailed for his indiscretion. They were drawn to the area by its streets lined with liberal-minded theatres, pubs and shops, many of which still stand today.