Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion at Pride

Colleagues have demonstrated their support for LGBTQ+ during this year’s Manchester Pride Parade.

The city’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration saw Dawn Sewards, director of governance, Cate Shelmerdine, head of patient experience and inclusion, and Ru Talbot, interim business manager at Indigo Gender Service, march through the streets alongside colleagues from LGBT Foundation to mark the occasion. Other Indigo Gender Service staff were also present, operating a stall to raise awareness of the services offered, including support for transgender and nonbinary individuals navigating healthcare options.

This year’s theme buzzin to be queer - a hive of progress, centred around the iconic worker bee symbolising Manchester’s industrious spirit and the ongoing advancements in LGBTQ+ rights.

Dawn said it was a real pleasure to attend the parade with and represent Indigo Gender Service.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and I loved dancing to the music as we walked together,” she said.

“I was disappointed I hadn’t gone for more pizzazz with my outfit! I’m looking forward to walking in the parade again next year but I will definitely add more bling to my look.”

Manchester plays a part in the UK’s queer liberation movement. In 1985, Manchester City Council funded a two-week celebration held at Oxford Street for the gay community, marking the start of Manchester Pride. In 2018, Manchester Pride became the first Pride in the UK to adopt the black and brown stripes on the rainbow flag, ensuring LGBTQ+ people of colour feel represented and welcome at their events.

To find out more about LGBT Foundation, please click here, and for Indigo Gender Service, please click here.