Pride in London: Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell urges LGBT community and Muslims to unite against hate

The founder of a leading human rights organisation has called for "unity and solidarity between the Muslim and LGBT communities" ahead of Pride in London this weekend.

At this year's parade on June 25, the Peter Tatchell Foundation's theme will be LGBT-Muslim solidarity.

Peter Tatchell, director of the organisation, said: "In light of the horrific massacre of LGBT people in Orlando [we want] to encourage an understanding that although gay people and Muslims are different, we share a common experience of prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime, and on that basis we should unite together to challenge all hate.

"We also want to challenge homophobia in the Muslim community and defend LGBT Muslims against persecution by fellow Muslims."

In an interview with the Standard, Mr Tatchell also highlighted the impact the shooting in an Orlando gay club on June 12 will have on Pride in London.

"I think it will be on everybody's mind," he said. "That kind of thing could happen here, there are homegrown Islamist terrorists biding their time waiting to strike.

"I am hoping people will be very vigilant on the day, and in the coming months."

The Standard's full interview with Peter Tatchell is featured in the video above.

For more videos on this year's Pride in London, visit our YouTube channel.