what does Pride – and the rainbow – really mean?
June is Pride Month. But what does Pride – and the rainbow – really mean? At its heart, Pride Month is a chance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual people to be who they are, and it demonstrates that they are very much part of the wider community
Pride events have long been part of culture in the UK and in lots of other countries. Though many countries are now embracing equality, in some LGBTQIA+ rights are only partial, and in other countries LGBTQIA+ people can face criminal punishment and even death: (and at the time of writing this article, there are still 13 countries where gay people face the death penalty).
Pride can be celebratory, but it can also still be very much a protest. A celebration of love, self-love or being able to be oneself. A protest also against regressive laws, against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, against the rise in LGBTQIA+ hate crimes.
The first ever Pride march in the UK took place in London on 1 July 1972. Only 700 people turned up. Many people were too afraid to turn up because they thought they would be arrested. Today, there are Pride events all across the UK, in big metropolitan cities with thriving gay-scenes and in small towns. Pride events today have music stages and colourful parades, often sponsored by big companies wanting to do their bit.
This year, the University of Lincoln wants to do its bit too. As part of Pride month, the University will be holding a number of events to develop its own LGBTQIA+ inclusion. We all have a part to play in protecting and supporting our LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues.
The University of Lincoln is also supporting Lincoln Pride to grow and offer a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, offer a safe space for their parents and carers, for their allies and everyone in between.
Lincoln Pride will be held on Saturday 20 August 2022, and the University will be organising a group for the parade around the city, and also hosting a stall to engage with the Pride-goers.
If you would like to join us, please contact us at lgbtqistaff@lincoln.ac.uk
The LGBTQI+ staff network is open to all members of the University of Lincoln LGBTQI+ community. The group welcomes all University staff who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (the "+" sign is an umbrella term to represent minority gender identities and sexual orientations).
If you are interested in joining the LGBTQI+ Staff Network, please contact us at lgbtqistaff@lincoln.ac.uk
