Before then, there were very few value-neutral words to describe people who experienced romantic or sexual attractions toward others of the same sex. Pejoratives such as “bugger,” “molly,” “sodomite,” or “pederast” were common, words loaded with condemnation and shame. But as the budding science of sexology began to grow, and as same-sex loving defenders began to speak out about what same-sex love was all about, their first problem was with how to name it. “Abominable vice” wouldn’t do. A new word was desperately needed to describe their lives and feelings.

The love that dared not speak its name couldn’t. It didn’t have one.

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Founded in 1989, Stonewall has become an international leader in LGBT advocacy actively assisting in the passing of major legislation to pass equality, civil partnership and adoption rights. Together we aim to further broadcast the tremendous good work they are doing with donations from participants and visibility during the event that passes through Europe’s greatest cities; Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. The Rainbow Rampage may be billed as, “The Ultimate Gay Party” but we hope that as participants travel through Europe- the rainbow of gay identities, personality and style will be an exciting way to make new friends and promote a positive message about LGBT people across the continent.