University of Leeds colleagues joined in the vibrant celebrations at this year’s Leeds Pride event.
As part of the city-wide festivities, the University’s delegation marched alongside thousands of other attendees from organisations from across the region.
An estimated 50,000 people flocked to the city centre to join in the day-long celebrations, with the University’s delegation spearheaded by its LGBT+ Staff Network.
Tyler Stead, co-chair of the Network, said: “It was wonderful to see our members turn out to march with us again for Leeds Pride.
“Over 30 members gave their support to our presence at the parade, some familiar faces, some entirely new!
“The network has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of years and Leeds Pride is always a great opportunity for the University’s LGBT+ community to come together and celebrate in solidarity.”
At the University, the Network provides a safe and welcoming space for LGBT+ staff and PhD students, advocating for members’ concerns and interests.
All staff networks at the University of Leeds are supported by the Equality and Inclusion Unit.
Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fiona McClement, who also joined the parade, said: “We had a wonderful time at Pride. Although there is such a joyous nature to the day, it’s important to remember how meaningful and moving the history of Pride is, and its continued significance in furthering rights, dignity and respect for our LGBTQ communities.
“I’m very grateful to the organising committee of the LGBT+ staff network for all their hard work in making it such a special day for our staff and students, and to our University Executive Group membership for their support and allyship.”
This was the second year a delegation from the University Executive Group (UEG) joined the parade.
UEG LGBT+ champion and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Paul Johnson said: “Pride is a celebration and a protest; a protest against discrimination, and a celebration of equality. As the University’s LGBT+ Champion, I couldn’t have been prouder to march in the parade with colleagues from UEG and the LGBT+ Staff Network.
“Together, we made visible the University’s total commitment to upholding the dignity and equality of all LGBT+ staff and students.”
Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, and chair of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Professor Hai-Sui Yu, who also took part in the Leeds Pride march, said: “The University of Leeds is fully committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. Our participation in Leeds Pride is just one of the many examples through which we enact our EDI strategy, and our values of collaboration, compassion, inclusivity and integrity, reflecting to our community the important role we play in society in continuing positive change."
From the Crowds
University colleagues also joined in the celebrations from the sidelines, showing their support among the cheering crowds.
Wieke Eringa, director of the University’s Cultural Institute, watched the procession with her family.
She said: “We had a brilliant time at Leeds Pride which is a friendly, fun, inclusive and celebratory event of an exciting scale.
“As a queer family we brought our 10-year-old for the first time and were delighted to see the University of Leeds represented.
“Attending Pride helped us have a discussion with the children, who spoke about some of the homophobic comments they have already experienced at school, about celebrating who you are and who you love.”
Further Information
The LGBT+ Staff Network holds monthly social gatherings (usually around payday). These alternate between catered on-campus coffee afternoons and post-work drinks in one of the Leeds LGBT+ venues.
Find out more about the LGBT+ staff network and receive updates by looking at the Staff Intranet page [Accessible to University of Leeds staff only and may prompt a log-in request] or contact LGBT+staff@leeds.ac.uk