UEL celebrates Pride Month and much more

This is the first time I've ever written a blog. Now I'm writing one in Pride Month, as an openly gay woman about LGBTQI+, and all the scariness and greatness that comes with that. Although it's a daunting concept to voice one's opinion in a world of endless criticism and trolling, never has the LGBTQI+ community needed awareness and support more, so here they are stuck with me. 

I was never one to 'fly the flag' when at university or in a wider capacity related to my sexuality. Maybe this was because I was the sporting extrovert still stuck in 'Narnia' (my first and probably last educational reference), maybe I enjoyed less lesbian drama (those of you who know, know) or maybe I lacked the knowledge and understanding of what a powerful difference it can be to speak up. This has now all changed and hopefully, this blog will shed some light on why. This isn't going to be a blog that rants at you but hopefully one that can provide clarity and some understanding from someone who has been there, done that and wears the rainbow t-shirt daily.

Why do we have parades? Why do we need awareness? Let's kick off with a good old statistic from the report 'A long way to go for LGBTI equality'. 42 per cent of LGBTQI+ people have experienced discrimination in the last year, compared to 39 per cent in 2012. Some of you may think that's not a significant increase to bring up, the fact is, it's an increase and not something that is moving towards that word we all would like, equality. We have made strides in reaching somewhat close to that in recent times with the approval of same-sex marriage in certain countries (maybe now I'll find a partner.... wishful thinking). Yet still in 13 countries, being a homosexual is punishable by death and in some carries a prison sentence. This is astounding to me, all for loving someone of the same sex. The recent protests in the UK against teaching LGBTQI+ relationships in primary schools and the attack of a lesbian couple on a London bus, just show how far we have yet to go. 

I'll never forget a member of staff in authority at one of my workplaces saying this to me '...because you're northern, fat and a lesbian you'll need to try harder in a London work setting to be accepted.' Since when did my sexuality or the fact I'm chunky around the edges affect how I run an event or send an email? Answers on a postcard, please... Needless to say, I left the company pretty swiftly after that, which should never have happened (if only they could see me now, all gay and proud at work). This is not even the tip of the iceberg with why we need now more than ever to recognise Pride as an important movement, whether we are in lockdown or not Pride is a time to demand more, to demand better. 

Pride parades around the globe are being postponed due to the current climate. Some pessimists may just see this as a glittery party in the street but it is in fact a huge dent in the spirit of pride, tolerance and awareness for and of the LGBTQI+ community. The Stonewall riots back in June 1969 were the reasons we all now don our most flamboyant outfits and strut our stuff down the capital's streets without a care in the world, the way it should be every day. The parades are a celebration of this fight back. This was the start of a new beginning for us all. I will be forever grateful for the stand those brave people took 50 years ago for me to be able to do what I do today from writing this blog to singing Britney at top note on a float in the parade, to being just me. 

Last year saw the celebration of 50 years since that uprising and the largest gathering of people in Central London, 1.5 million celebrating as one. When I read and heard that it was only 50 years ago that you were tormented, harassed or killed for loving someone of the same sex or for changing sex, it absolutely boggles the brain, it sounds like something from the Stone Ages (apologies to anyone from that era) but the scary thing is, it wasn't and isn't. This is why educating not just the Gen-Z population is so important but everyone across the board right down to the Baby Boomers, who may need a little more hand-holding, hopefully by the same sex.

Changing that one person's perspective can make all the difference. Let me set the scene on what was a pivotal factor in leading me to where I am professionally and personally today. I was in the mountains of Serbia, supporting the training of a group of males all various ages who had disabilities with a charity I support, Enhance the UK. Serbia is well known for housing homophobic attitudes, so for someone like me who was born with jazz hands it was the first time in my life I felt worried about travelling and doing what I love most. I lived, laughed, trained, and drank (sometimes too much) with the group but never disclosed my sexuality when asked, very unlike me to those reading that know me. 

It came to the last session of the week which was a debate. We decided to pick the topic of 'Pro LGBTQI+' and 'Against LGBTQI+' much to the disapproval of some of the team leaders. As you can imagine the most talkative and enthused group were those speaking against LGBTQI+, when it came to talking for LGBTQI+ the room fell silent. A guy I had made a great connection with throughout the trip (and evidentially had asked me on a date - little did he know he was in for a shock) responded with 'Carley there is nothing positive about being LGBTQI+'. I began to get a little shaky, whether it was anger or nerves about the setting I found myself in, I'll never know, but my friend at the time saw this and posed the following question to the group 'Is anyone in this room LGBTQI+?'.  I didn't know I would put my hand up, but I'm glad I did. The reaction to follow was one of shock (as apparently, I didn't look gay, I still need to find out what this look is), discussion and acceptance, followed by endless selfies – I now know how Kim K feels every day. There were 30 people in that room who had one idea of what LGBTQI + was, when they left, I hope to think one if not all had a different perspective.

I was overjoyed to plan the University of East London's first entry to the Pride parade last year, there was no better feeling than bringing each part of the University community together. "

We had individuals who had recently 'come out', families of students wanting to share the support of loved ones or just allies who simply wanted to show their solidarity for the day. I was immensely proud of my workplace that day and what I had helped achieve. We had recently launched a brand new LGBTQI+ Staff Network and the parade was our first major event. It was euphoric to be on a float making friends with everyone and anyone in eyesight. If you can get the support of your University, SU, or business that's fantastic, but even if not, the application process is simple to be a part of the parade and can be at a cost that suits your budget, a limited cost for a priceless memory.    

Although the parade can't happen this year the great people of Pride in London and many across the world have been adapting to the virtual norm. I have been lucky enough to help create that feeling of euphoria by working as the Event Project Manager for Pride in London, albeit virtual euphoria (it's a thing, I swear) by leading the Staying In/Coming Out virtual events site. This is a year-round events platform for all LGBTQI+ events.  We promote, deliver and support all events and will continue to do so when this is all over. Even if we can't meet in person or have a big 2-metre pole between us... the show must go on. If you or your society has an event, or just an initial idea do get in touch and we will help make it a reality. Events, social media and even blogging help amplify the voices of those who may feel marginalised or isolated in these times, all of this helps grow towards increasing acceptance, so let's continue even after Pride Month. 

If you've made it this far and not fallen asleep, I salute you. This blog isn't going to change the world but it may just make one person stop and think and have a discussion with others around it. That is all I could ask for. I'll leave you with this; it may be Pride Month but let's make it a Pride Year, every day of the year. Let's keep talking, keep learning and be open to things we don't know (it's ok to not know it all). From a first-time blogger, which I can now add to my CV, (wahoooo), I hope this helps.