While Pride month may have officially been in June, Diversified UK often finds that August is another time to celebrate, with the UK’s largest Pride event taking place in our hometown of Brighton.

Attracting more than 250,000 people, the city comes alive over the first weekend of August celebrating love, diversity, and acceptance. At Diversified UK we believe it’s essential to reflect on the values that underpin this joyous occasion; and so we celebrated in the office with drinks, snacks and discussed what Pride means to us…

 

“Brighton Pride has been a big part of my life for over 20 years. I remember attending the first one when I was 19 and being overwhelmed by how amazing the experience was, I had never felt an energy like it. Over the years Pride has grown and while the party has got bigger it’s still important to remember its roots. We are lucky to live in a diverse, accepting city and Pride shows that even more, but with many other areas of the country and the world not being that fortunate, I think it is important to show those places there is still hope and things do get better. Pride will always hold a special place in my heart, and I feel proud to have it as part of the city that I love.” – David Maguire, Group Event Director. 

 

“Pride to me means the celebration of your whole self, having a safe space to show up authentically and share your lived experiences. It’s a reminder that when we embrace love, diversity, and acceptance, there’s the possibility to create beautiful communities of brilliant people & celebrate their unique perspectives, because they are perfect just as they are. Pride is a reminder that there is still such a way to go, especially in places where these safe spaces & communities don’t exist for all who need to access them. When these communities are allowed to flourish, what you get is Brighton Pride!”

–  Felicity Fieldsend, HR, People and Culture Manager.

 

“Brighton Pride (also known as Gay Christmas by many of the Brighton LGBTQ community) is always one of the best weekends of the year. So many old friends from all over the world still come to Brighton to celebrate with gay abandon. Wherever you are in the city you are guaranteed to find people in good spirits celebrating how far the UK has come in terms of gay rights. I think it is really important to remember how it all started and be grateful to all of our queer family before us, that have fought hard for the visibility the community has today, we really are blessed in Brighton! We still have some way to go supporting our Trans siblings with equal rights, access to support and medical care in the UK, and other countries around the globe have even further to go in their fight for equality. Peace, gay times and good vibes to everyone celebrating!” – Anya Zervudachi, Sales Manager, Natural & Organic Products Europe. 

 

 

“Pride is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to be authentic and true to who they are inside. The fact that there are places where it is still not safe to be who you are means that Pride is also a time for reflection, remembrance and recommitting to being an ally. It’s also another great opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, with the LGBTQ+ community.” – Chris Brazer, Group Event Director. 

 

“For me, Pride is about making space and noise for people who deserve to feel free, supported, and strong in their community. It’s a time where we can all explore and unravel barriers to become a more accepting society. Pride is a protest, but at the same time, it is also a wonderful expression of pure joy and love.” – Elise Wilkins, Operations Manager. 

 

 

“Pride to me is about the power of being YOU. It’s also about showing support as an LGBTQ- ally and fighting against discrimination – because without progression, we fail! Liberation is only stronger together, so it’s important to stand up against hate by coming together as a community to create a safe, fun and wonderful celebration of LOVE – because that’s what Pride’s all about.” – Sharna Waid, Digital Content Manager  

 

 

“It’s such a vibe, a beautiful inclusive community feel and the biggest celebration!” – Aaron Fletcher, Senior Sales Exec, Eco Living Scandinavia. 

 

 

 

“Pride is a protest!” – Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager, Northern Restaurant and Bar & Commercial Kitchen

 

 

Thank you to Ellie, Polly and Felicity for organising our Pride drinks in the office. We hope everyone has a wonderful Brighton Pride! For more information, please visit  www.brighton-pride.org.

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