Pride Month holds lots of special memories for me, especially from my Uni years and organising floats in Brighton’s massive Pride Parade! In 2009, my third Pride, we did a Little Mermaid, Under the Sea theme with my Mum and Auntie taking part as wheel walkers, and my little sister on the truck with us.
The energy of Brighton Pride is incredible, but there are also smaller local prides which are amazing to take part in and create a feeling of belonging as well as bringing the fun and colour of a Pride event to an area.
More recently, my family and I marched (skated in my wife’s case) in the People’s Pride Parade through Southampton, with a big emphasis on Trans Rights and sports inclusion. The local Prides are often free community events and are great days out for everyone, including families, with fair rides, local charity/organisation stalls and live entertainment. Why not check one out this year?
Abri have always been open and embracing of people being their authentic selves. When my wife and I were going through our adoption journey to become parents, I was well supported from all areas, and I have never felt lesser or different to anyone else. There is a great culture of zero acceptance towards any behaviours of intolerance. We encourage challenge and debate but in an open, educating and curious way – our Banter training is a great example of this, and looks at some of the words we use every day and their appropriateness.
Abri also has different groups and sessions to support people no matter what, these include Parent Buddies, EDI Champions, Wellbeing and Mental Health First Aiders, Menopause Support, Get Curious and Elephant in the Room sessions which cover topics such as cancer, pronouns and anxiety, Coaching and Mentoring opportunities, and our amazing Colleague Forum - ConneXus.
Some people ask why Pride is still important, and I think each of us have our own personal reasons. For me, it’s because there is still so much homophobia and transphobia in both the UK and abroad. LGBTQIA+ people are still victims of abuse and attacks because of who they are or what they are wearing, and there are countries I wouldn’t visit due to my way of life being against the law, including the country of my own father-in-law.
By celebrating diversity during Pride month, showcasing the fun, kindness and talent of those that identify as LGBTQIA+, we can show the world our worth and humanity and that we are proud of who we are.
