It’s June. We are ‘United in Diversity’ in Pride month

June is known globally as Pride month, time to celebrate this important occasion.

What is Pride? Pride is all about promoting the equality, self-affirmation and visibility of LGBTQ+ people, by creating a community and safe space for people to be who they are. The word ‘Pride’ in this sense was first used by Brenda Howard, the American organiser of the first LGBTQ Pride March in the wake of the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969.

Pride events usually involve a series of marches and parades with performances, music, colourful dress and an abundance of rainbow flags. In the UK, June is traditionally Pride month, but there will be Pride events across the country throughout the next few months. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Pride in London parade celebrations have been delayed until 11 September this year, and will have a theme based on their values of visibility, unity and equality.

The past year has been difficult for everyone for many well documented reasons. However, we have seen that hate and persecution still affects people from all walks of life, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, it is still just as important, if not more so now, to show our support and solidarity in any way we can for those in the community to affect real change.

The founding principle of our institution is Unity in Diversity, and international education, communication and exchange is at the core of our vision, mission and values.

That’s why we are developing an equality, diversity and inclusion framework for the University.  We are committed to promoting inclusion and equality among our students, staff and the wider Richmond community.