Beds community shares LGBTQ+ Pride Month memories

Mon 28 June, 2021

As Pride Month 2021 draws to a close, University of Bedfordshire staff have been reflecting on what the celebration means to them, sharing some of their fondest memories of past Pride Months.

The first Pride march took place in New York on 28^th June 1970, exactly one year on from the Stonewall Uprising – a series of defiant clashes with police following their raid on the popular gay bar, the Stonewall Inn.

Over half a century later, each year June is filled with parties, parades, workshops, concerts and memorials, celebrating love and togetherness and remembering those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.

While festivities and gatherings have been subject to limits and restrictions this summer, that hasn’t stopped members of the Beds LGBTQ+ community sharing what Pride month means to them.

Click on each name below to read their thoughts:

What does LGBTQ+ Pride Month mean to you?

Pride month started in USA to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 but I like to consider that it has now evolved into a celebration of all things LGBTQ.

Why is it important to keep celebrating Pride?

People that identify as LGBTQ are suffering all over the world because of their identity and discrimination; it is important that we show them support not just for Pride Month but all year-round. Have an open mind and an open heart

What is your favourite Pride memory?

My best Pride was 2018 when I marched with my family and friends and had their full acceptance of who I am – love is love.

What does LGBTQ+ Pride Month mean to you?

Being proud to be who you are and celebrating it with others who are also proud to be who they are. It's difficult sometimes to be yourself, especially because of bias fuelled inequalities and hate crime that forces you to be someone you're not because it's the only way you'll be accepted. If you can overcome the fear and be proud to accept yourself, and others, as they are, that's got to be worth celebrating.

Why is it important to keep celebrating Pride?

It's important to keep celebrating Pride because it keeps it real. It raises awareness and brings people together

What is your favourite Pride memory?

Shopping in London West End one year and suddenly confronted by 100s and 100s of confident, proud beautiful, people parading the streets of Soho and Covent Garden, sharing the Love, and celebrating Love. It was amazing and lovely to see.

What does LGBTQ+ Pride Month mean to you?

LGBTQ+ Pride month is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ people and culture. It's so important to have a month that encourages people within and outside the LGBTQ+ community to learn about Queer history and think on what still needs to be changed.

Why is it important to keep celebrating Pride?

Pride started as a protest to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world, and although we have made a lot of progress there is still so much more to go. While it's important to celebrate the progress we've made, we can't lose sight of the members of the LGBTQ+ community that are still facing discrimination and hate. We have to fight for their rights and show them support at pride and throughout the year.

What is your favourite Pride memory?

My favourite memory is of going to my first Pride celebration in London, the sun was shining and it felt so alive with energy. To be able to see so many other members of the LGBTQ+ community out and proud and walking the streets of London will be something I'll never forget.

LGBTQ Alliance logo

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to creating a positive, safe and open working environment for all of its staff and students. The LGBTQ Alliance, the University’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network, plays a huge role in ensuring Beds makes everyone feel free to express themselves, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Earlier this month Alex Baird, Lecturer in Sport and Physical Education and Secretary of the University’s LGBTQ+ Alliance, spoke to the current Beds SU Vice President for Equality, Hafijur Shuvo, about the support the group provides and her own personal experiences. The interview is available to watch on YouTube.