May 1989
Stonewall UK Formed
Activism UK
Founded in 1989 by prominent figures including Sir Ian McKellen, Michael Cashman and Lisa Power, Stonewall UK was established as a direct response to the introduction of Section 28. It quickly became the leading advocacy organisation for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
Impact & Significance
Stonewall quickly grew into the UK's most influential LGBTQ+ rights organisation, shaping policy and public discourse for decades. Its campaigns were instrumental in achieving landmark reforms including the repeal of Section 28, civil partnerships, and marriage equality.
Reference Record
- Date
- May 1989
- Era
- 1970-1989
- Sources
- 3
Editorially reviewed — reviewed · last reviewed 2026-09-19.
Topic Guides
Section 28 Section 28 was a provision of the Local Government Act 1988 that restricted local authorities from intentionally promoting homosexuality or teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship. Regional and Specialist Pride in the UK Pride in the UK spread from early London and Brighton marches into regional cities and specialist community-led events for Black, trans and bi communities.
Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q What was Section 28? Section 28 was a provision of the Local Government Act 1988 that restricted local authorities from promoting homosexuality or teaching that same-sex relationships were acceptable as family relationships. Q How did Pride marches begin? Pride marches began as public protest and commemoration after Stonewall, then spread through liberation movements that used visibility, solidarity and celebration as political tools. Q How did Pride expand across the UK? It grew through local Pride organising, Stonewall-era campaigning, Channel Islands legal change and public figures who widened visibility.
