rights
British miners & LGBTQ+ activists have a strong & enduring alliance. Here's how it all began.
By John Russell at LGBTQ Nation
· June 11, 2026
· 1 min read
A new musical currently playing at London’s National Theatre recounts the extraordinary story of an unlikely alliance between the U.K.’s South Wales coal mining communities and LGBTQ+ activists, a relationship that still holds strong today. A stage adaptation of the Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated
Key takeaway ’s South Wales coal mining communities and LGBTQ+ activists, a relationship that still holds strong today.
Why this matters
The alliance between British miners and LGBTQ+ activists, as depicted in the musical Pride, highlights the potential for unexpected coalitions to form in the face of adversity. The partnership, which began with fundraising efforts by Mark Ashton and the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group, demonstrates how shared experiences of marginalization and oppression can bridge seemingly disparate communities. The success of the "Pits and Perverts" concert, which raised significant funds for striking miners, underscores the power of solidarity and collective action. This historical precedent is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary LGBTQ+ rights movements in the US, where intersectional alliances and coalition-building are crucial for advancing social justice. As LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations continue to navigate complex political landscapes, the story of LGSM serves as a testament to the enduring impact of strategic partnerships and community-led activism.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new musical currently playing at London’s National Theatre recounts the extraordinary story of an unlikely alliance between the U.K.’s South Wales coal mining communities and LGBTQ+ activists, a relationship that still holds strong today. A stage adaptation of the Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Russell at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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