History of Pride

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Pride Movement Decoded: Nik Jovčić-Sas explains the origin of Pride marches

Friday, 27 February, 2026

February is LGBTQ+ History Month, and it is important to understand and celebrate the history of the Pride movement globally, as well as in Bath.

Bath Spa University is home to many fantastic professional services staff, academics, graduates, and honorary doctorates, many of whom are experts in their field. 

Nik Jovčić-Sas is an LGBTQ+ activist and performer based in Bath, and in 2025 received an Honorary Doctorate for Social Inclusion from BSU.

Nik studied Theology at King’s College London, specialising in queer history and affirming theology. A passionate musician and performer, Nik is a familiar presence as a busker on the streets of Bath, has performed at Glastonbury Festival four times with his band Ninotchka and is a driving force in Bath’s queer nightlife as the host of WIG! – a celebrated drag cabaret – as their alter ego, Mother. 

Speaking on the history of the Pride movement, and its origins from a New York City gay bar:

“Many of us are familiar with Pride marches or the concept of Pride, not a lot of us know about the history of it. The story began in Manhattan in New York in 1969. There was a gay bar on that street, and it still exists to this day called the Stonewall Inn.”

They continue:

“There were a variety of laws that made life for LGBTQ+ people very difficult, such as laws against cross-dressing and serving alcohol to LGBTQ+ people. Many people who went to the Stonewall Inn were trans people and drag queens, and the police would arrest them or even dunk their heads in mop buckets if they were wearing makeup.

“These raids continued throughout the summer, and on one night in June, people had had enough and they decided to fight back against the police. The riots or uprising, depending on who you ask, went on for multiple nights and drew large media coverage, and showed that LGBT weren’t going to take this oppression lying down.

“One year later, in various cities across the US, marches were held to commemorate this riot. And that is the story of the first ever pride march.”

Nik was at Bath's first pride march as part of the Bath Carnival in 2017, as well as the city's first standalone Pride march in 2024, describing what that meant to them:

“I had the distinct pleasure of marching at the front and being a major organizer in both marches. Being able to walk through the streets of Bath and to be there, be queer, and celebrate was incredibly beautiful. In 2024 we had well over a thousand people attend that Bath Pride march, and I'll never forget that day as long as I live.”

Pride marches occur all across the globe today, and Nik explains the importance of them:

“Prides need to be significant and important for the communities they serve, and they don't all have to look the same. I think what's important is that they are about fighting for equality for LGBTQ+ people, for creating a space where queer and trans people are safe, that they are mindful to look after the most marginalized in our community.”

Nik is the second guest to feature as part of a brand-new social media series titled ‘Decoded’. You can watch the video here and keep up to date with everything BSU on our social media channels.