Since their initial collaboration in 2022, actors Sebastian Croft and Connor Jessup have made it a heartfelt annual tradition to unite in celebration of Pride, engaging their millions of followers with meaningful initiatives. This year, they brought their shared vision to life on Soho’s Greek Street, where they sold merchandise from a conspicuous converted horse trailer emblazoned with the phrase “Queer Past” in the distinctive script of artist Jack Taylor Lovatt. Their collection of T-shirts, caps, and jumpers quickly caught the eye of London Pride attendees and celebrities alike, having been spotted on figures such as Troye Sivan, David Tennant, and Jessie Ware. These items are not just fashion statements but emblematic artefacts of London Pride 2025, representing the ongoing journey toward visibility and acceptance.

The merchandise forms part of a capsule collection from Queer Was Always Here, a charity founded by Croft and Jessup in 2022. The organisation draws its name and ethos from a powerful declaration: that queerness is not a new phenomenon but has always existed throughout history. The initiative took flight with a singular yet symbolic T-shirt featuring two kissing dinosaurs, Dylan and Derek, capturing the enduring presence of queer identity through the ages. Proceeds from this campaign, in partnership with Choose Love — a well-established UK-based humanitarian organisation — generated nearly £200,000. These funds have been dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and displaced persons worldwide, a mission underscored by the growing need for safe spaces and aid amidst global conflict and persecution.

Queer Was Always Here continues to build on this foundation, positioning itself as both a celebration of queer history and a proactive force advocating for the futures of marginalized queer individuals. The organisation collaborates closely with Choose Love, which was founded in 2015 and quickly became the largest grassroots distributor of aid in Europe. Today, Choose Love supports over 150 projects in more than 20 countries, providing essential services such as search and rescue, emergency medical care, legal aid, and other critical resources to refugees and displaced people. Their mission transcends mere charity, aiming to foster a world defined by “love, welcome, and justice.” This partnership exemplifies how grassroots cultural movements and humanitarian advocacy can intertwine to create tangible support mechanisms for vulnerable populations.

The visibility and cultural resonance of Croft and Jessup’s campaign reflect broader societal shifts towards recognising and honouring queer existence across time and geography. Their commitment, amplified through the lens of London Pride and embraced by a diverse community, highlights how art, history, and activism can come together to not only celebrate identity but also address urgent contemporary challenges. As the conversation around LGBTQIA+ rights continues to evolve globally, projects like Queer Was Always Here offer a vital reminder that queer lives—and the struggles and joys they encompass—are intrinsic to the human story and deserving of both remembrance and protection.

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Source: Noah Wire Services