Following an open doors meeting held by the team at Pride in Plymouth, we are a group of individuals and collectives from across the city who have come together to focus on bringing Plymouth Pride 2023 to the city and our community.
Since our formation in November 2022, we have been working hard to plan an event our city and community can be proud of. Seeking out funds, consulting the community, hosting fundraisers and all the boring behind the scenes stuff!
If you would like to be kept up to date or get involved, please join our mailing list or follow us on Instagram.
Reflecting on my time since being a Fresher at University in 2001 we have achieved a lot as a community. Firstly, the abolition of Section 28, marriage equality, changes in the adoption law, employment equality, the first transgender pride and the UK census including gender identity and sexual orientation. We still have a long way to go with campaigning against issues such as conversion therapy and hate crime to name a few, but Pride by Pride we will get there.
I am so honoured to be the Chair of Plymouth Pride. Being able to work with the amazing Directors, committee and community.
I moved to Plymouth 10 Years ago after returning to Devon from studying at the University of Winchester and Working for Arts Council England in Brighton. In my time in Plymouth I have worked in Events management for The University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council, I am also the Chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network group for Plymouth City Council. I am so excited to see the journey of Plymouth Pride and I believe with the great community spirit Plymouth has, we will be one of the best Prides in the Country… Geddon Plymouth and lets show some PRIDE.
I am also Branch Chair for Unite the Union's health branch, in Plymouth. This is after stepping up from being an equality representative for a number of years. This involves supporting our members to ensure they are treated fairly and equally in the workplace. As well as, working with the hospital to ensure its policies do not discriminate against anyone.
I volunteer at Omnium Radio CIC, an inclusive community radio station that aims to make radio accessible to everyone no matter their background, ability or skill level.
I bring with me my skills in building relationships with potential funders. As well as building strong and transparent policies and procedures, ensuring we are completely inclusive and committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for all.
Overall, I am involved in Plymouth Pride as I want to make a positive difference to our community. Ensuring that Plymouth Pride event remains and inclusive event that is open to everyone, and that everyone feels safe to be who they are.
Pride is a Protest!
I work at Tesco, where I am an LGBTQ Colleague Network rep, and I was short listed for an award in the inaugural awards for the Network for 'Most Inspirational'. In my spare time I am on the committee for Not Alone, a trans and non-binary support group based in Plymouth.
I am passionate about equality, and I truly believe that once we are free to live as ourselves, free from prejudice and hate, the whole of society will be better off for it.
Diversity includes everyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In my business I have found that inclusion typically leads to high performing teams, a wider range of ideas, innovation, greater positivity and a happier workplace. I firmly believe that if the UK were to fully embrace diversity and inclusion ideals, we could foster a more positive and creative world for us all to live in.
I would encourage anyone to help join us at Plymouth Pride. Together we can make our city a more fabulous place for us all to live and work.
