Pride month – stand up for LGBTQIA+ rights

 June marks the start of Pride month, a month dedicated to celebration and recognising equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people.

We choose to champion equality and inclusivity on behalf of our LGBTQ+ friends and customers every day. However, we think Pride month offers the perfect opportunity to update you on some of the work we’re doing to make Money Wellness an inclusive place to work, and one that openly supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

Throughout the month, we’ll show you how our LGBTQIA+ group aims to ensure everyone feels seen and heard, talk about our policies on personal pronouns, and hear from some of our staff about their experiences. We’ll also look at how debt impacts the gay community and explore the support networks that are available.

We’re kick-starting the month with a look at the history of Pride.

Pride – where it all began

The origins of PRIDE in the UK can be traced back to the 1970s when the first LGBTQ+ organisations were formed. In 1970, the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was established in London, inspired by the Stonewall riots that took place in New York City the year before. The GLF aimed to challenge societal norms, promote visibility, and fight for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people.

The first Pride marches in the UK took place in the early 1970s, coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. These marches were initially referred to as "Gay Liberation Front" marches or "Gay Pride Rallies." They were political demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination and the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

One of the most significant events in the history of UK PRIDE is the formation of the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (now known as Switchboard), which provided support and information to the LGBTQIA+ community. This organisation played a crucial role in bringing LGBTQ+ issues to public attention and assisting individuals in need.

In 1984, the organisation known as "Pride London" was formed to coordinate the annual Pride event in London. Pride London aimed to bring together the diverse LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate its achievements while advocating for equality. The event grew in size and popularity over the years, becoming one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

In the 1990s, Pride events spread to other cities in the UK. Many local Pride organisations were established to organize marches, parades, and festivals across the country. Each Pride event had its unique character, reflecting the local LGBTQIA+ community and its specific challenges.

Over time, Pride in the UK evolved beyond political demonstrations and became a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity, culture, and achievements. The events include colourful parades, music performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and other activities that promote diversity, acceptance, and inclusivity.

In recent years, Pride in the UK has continued to grow and gain mainstream recognition. It has become an important platform for raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, campaigning for equal rights, and fostering a sense of community among LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

The Pride in London event is particularly significant this year as it’s the 50^th anniversary of the first UK Pride. It will commemorate the past 50 years and the evolution of the movement; acknowledging the achievements of the torch bearers of the past. It will also look forward to the next 50 years, recognising the challenges still faced both nationally and globally.

Pride events up and down the country

Portsmouth – 11 June

Suffolk – 17 June

York – 18 June

Edinburgh – 25 June

Essex – 25 June

London - 2^nd July

Bristol – 9 July

London Trans Pride – 9 July

Glasgow – 16 July

Brighton Trans Pride – 16 July

Sheffield – 16 July

Belfast – 22 July

Northern Pride – 22 July

Liverpool – 30 July

Brighton – 5 August

Leeds – 7 August

Black Pride – 14 August

Manchester – 27 August

Cymru Pride – 27 August

Surrey – 27 August

Leicester – 3 September

Reading – 3 September

Birmingham – 24 September