Community waves the flag at Manchester Pride

Every year across the August bank holiday weekend, thousands of people congregate in the streets of Manchester to celebrate Pride.

At Community, we support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ workers, which is why we stand in solidarity with our members and fellow trade unionists at these events.

At this year’s Pride, we were joined by the charity Pharmacist Support, as well as our sister union, the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA).

Manchester Pride has exploded into one of the biggest UK events for the LGBTQIA+ community following its inception, more than four decades ago.

Union representative Shelley Hughes, who works as an AA Service Maintenance Repair Technician, attended this year’s event and told us what the day meant to her.

Shelley Hughes said:

“Manchester Pride was a day with a difference for me, not only as a proud AA Service Maintenance Repair Technician, but also as a union representative, standing proudly alongside colleagues and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

“Being able to be who I am, be proud of who I am, and not be afraid is something I will never take for granted.

“Surrounded by people from all walks of life, all coming together with one simple understanding that love is love.

“Whatever your sex, race, gender, disability or beliefs, everyone deserves to be accepted, respected and able to be themselves without stigma or judgement.

“Walking through the parade with the most amazing support from the crowds was an incredible experience. Smiling, dancing and celebrating through the rain without a care in the world!”

Community’s Head of Equalities, Jennifer Dean said:

“It was a privilege for Community to join our sister union the PDA and the charity Pharmacist Support at Manchester Pride and stand alongside thousands of people celebrating diversity, inclusion and equality.

“Pride is not only a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, but also a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made through collective action and the work that still lies ahead.

“At Community, we are proud to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ workers and allies, championing workplaces where everyone can be themselves without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

“Marching together with the PDA reflected the strength of the trade union movement in promoting respect, dignity and opportunity for all. The energy, visibility and sense of community on display throughout the day were truly inspiring, and we remain committed to advancing equality both in our workplaces and across society.”

Community’s Director of Operations, Helen Osgood, added:

“I’m proud to have taken part in Manchester Pride. The parade was a powerful celebration of our LGBTQ+ community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate who we are, how far we have come and to recognise that there is still more work to do.

“It was fantastic to stand alongside so many union colleagues demonstrating solidarity, pride and a shared commitment to equality.

“Events like Manchester Pride remind us of the importance of visibility, inclusion and standing together against discrimination.

“Pride is a reminder that equality at work matters and the importance of having equality representatives in place at work, to ensure that nobody has to endure unconscious bias and face discrimination in the workplace.”

Dr Jayne Love, Organiser and Equalities Lead, PDA Union said:

“It was a privilege for the PDA to join our trade union friends at Community, alongside the charity Pharmacist Support, and thousands of others at Manchester Pride in celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equality.

“Pride is both a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and an important reminder that progress is achieved when people come together to challenge discrimination and advocate for change.

“The PDA is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees, and to promoting workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

“Marching alongside our trade union friends at Community demonstrated the strength of solidarity and the shared commitment of the trade union movement to equality for all.

“The sense of community, visibility, and pride throughout the day was inspiring, and we remain dedicated to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the pharmacy profession and the wider workplace.”