40 years ago, two Advocacy Groups, completely unrelated, formed one of the most unexpected alliances that the world has ever seen, and this week that 40-year-old friendship slapped the Far Right directly in the face.

In 1984, Margaret Thatcher sacked over 20000 working-class miners to ‘stick it’ to the Unions.  And when those Unions decided to retaliate and fight back by Striking, she took all their Funding.  This forced the Miners to go to smaller local groups to ask for help so they could continue their rightful Strike. 

But then a group of London activists decided they dodnt like this injustice and they took to the streets to raise money.  But the funny thing was, these guys were not miners.  Hell, they lived in London, so they probably didn’t even know any.  So why were they interested in helping?  Well, they exactly knew what it was like to be pushed out by the Tories (Thatcher’s Party).  This group of gay and lesbian advocates became the LGSM or Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners . And together they raised £22500. (which is about £70,000 in today’s money). 

Then, that year to show their support and solidarity with the community, miners from working-class backgrounds, covered in coal dust, marched at the front of Gay Pride Parades all across the country.

But what has this 40-year-old story got to do with advicacy in 2026?  Well, last week in Durham, North East England, heart of mining country, the Reform UK (Far Right Political Party and Majority in the local Council) decided to CUT ALL funding for local Pride Parades.

BUT the Miners didn’t forget 1984.  This year because of a 40+ year friendship, the Miners Association in Durham raised more money for the Pride Parades  for 2026, which was ever in the Budget that Reform cancelled

So this year, Durham will have its biggest Pride Parade ever, and that is the power of advocacy