Proudly home to so many cultures

Why are these flags appearing?

Over the summer, we all saw the unsavoury spread of English flags being added to our streets. In theory, these flags could just be a reminder of where we live. In practice, nobody should have to see symbols of slavery and empire in their streets.

We all know our country’s heritage, and this is why we all know that since its creation and still today, the English flag has been used to intimidate, exploit, and terrorise people, here in Britain, and all around the world. So let’s add a key point missing from the media right now: we, the majority of people living in Britain, are immensely proud to be from all around the world, and to live with people also from all around the world.

What does "Proudly home to so many cultures" mean?

Our flag is about celebrating the richness of cultures in Britain. While the UK was and continues to be a violent and harmful state, which none of us should be proud of, we can still celebrate and care for the diversity of cultures and creativity of the people who make this place liveable. From music, to food, and art, and everyday acts of care and solidarity, there are millions of people, all across the country, constantly shaping this place for the better.

Are you anti-England?

Not at all. In fact, we're the opposite. We believe loving where we live means looking after it, which includes being honest about our country's history and calling out the bigotry and violent narrative from our neighbours.

It also means taking a stand, and reminding ourselves and everyone else, that what actually matters is all of us, not just a few: that together, we, the so-called migrants, the workers, the carers, the queer and trans folks, the parents, the disabled people, the young people, the old people, keep each other safe by showing up for each other every day. Our biggest pride is us, it is community, not nationalism.

Who is behind this?

We are just a group of random people who believe in kindness, hope, and belonging. There’s no organisation behind us, just concerned citizens who wanted to remind the media that hate comes from a minority of violent people, and that we, the majority of people living here, are really proud that this country is home to so many cultures.

How can I join?

We are you, and you are us, so welcome!

Print the flag and add it to your windows, balconies, and fences to raise awareness about its message.

Remind your family, friends, neighbours, classmates and colleagues that being proud of a colonial empire is being proud of all the harm the empire has caused. Instead, we should be proud of all the diversity of our cultures, which is what makes our neighbourhoods and communities so beautiful.

Join a local group in your neighbourhood that cares as much as you about celebrating all of us, this will help you to develop and sustain networks of solidarity all across the country.

Final words:

To everyone who feels the chill of these flags appearing on our streets: know that you are not alone. Do not be afraid. We are organised and there are more of us than there are of them.

So join us. Celebrate joy and life, confront their hate with our solidarity. Show that pride does not belong to a colonial flag, but to all the different cultures around us.

We are proudly home to so many cultures. You should be too.