New stamps launched to mark 50th anniversary of Gay Pride march

London CIV congratulates the Royal Mail on its launch of a new range of colourful stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Gay Pride march 50 years ago this weekend. 

The new range are a long way from the old Penny Black issued more than 180 years ago. These latest vibrant designs show how the Royal Mail has changed since 1840 with the introduction of what may be its most inclusive stamps ever. The company has issued a set of eight stamps to mark the anniversary.

Using the bright colours of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag, the stamps tell the story of Pride since the first rally in July 1972. Images feature people of different ages, ethnicities and religious backgrounds as well as a wheelchair user. The more recent update on the traditional rainbow flag is also included, its design encompassing the flags of trans and intersex people.

David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs said: 'The vibrant, colourful Pride events that take place in towns and cities across the UK today trace their origins to a small number of people who marched through central London half a century ago to raise awareness of discrimination and inequality.’