50 years ago this summer, hundreds of LGBTQ+ people and their allies came together in London to protest the deep-rooted discrimination and mistreatment that LGBTQ+ people faced in British society in the UK’s first ever Pride rally. Their actions that day paved the way for half a century of progressive societal change for LGBTQ+ people.
Although progress has been made, there is still more to do. Sadly, for the most marginalised groups in the LGBTQ+ community, we are seeing backwards trends. We cannot take progress for granted, and this is why it is important to show solidarity and support to the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and all year: we must actively #TakePride.
You belong here
Building a University community where people can be open about their gender identity and sexual orientation benefits us all as it will foster a more inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves. Over the last year the University has:
- Looking at how we deal with name changes on staff and student records, and improving our student application processes to be more trans-inclusive;
- The Pulse Network ran safe listening spaces for trans staff and students; and
- The EDI Team is now leading a project to update its policies, including the gender identity policy.
Get involved
- Join our Pride picnic – if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally, we invite you to join our picnic. Just bring your lunch along to join other members of the Pulse staff network between 12:30-13:30 on 21 June on the lawn between the Staff Club and the Nuffield Theatre.
- Join a local Pride parade – find out when your local Pride parade is happening by checking the website of your local LGBTQ+ organisations or view the Pride month calendar, including People’s Pride ‘Party in the Park’ on 11-12 June and Southampton Pride in August.
- Access our toolkits
Let us know what Pride means to you
We want to hear stories from the LGBTQ+ community and allies about what makes them proud. Share in the comments below or join the conversation online using the hashtag #TakePride.
Send in pictures of your Pride celebrations via: [email protected].
