Each year, the month of June is a celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride worldwide. Usually in Pride month, there are all kinds of , parades, parties, and festivities. Here in Manchester, it stretches through to August.
As with everything we have gone through these past few months, it comes as no surprise that, sadly, all of these diverse, inclusive and joyful celebrations around the world have had to be cancelled.
Just because we cannot celebrate Pride the usual way, this doesn’t mean that we should stop believing and striving for equality for the LGBTQ+ communities around us. If anything, we should be more understanding and accepting, after seeing some of the abhorrent things happening in the world. Two black transgender women were murdered in America last week; one in a robbery and another through homicide. We must band together to protect the civil liberties of the LGBTQ+ community and seek justice for crimes committed.
LGBT Foundation
We work closely with the Manchester LGBT Foundation. Because we offer our legal services to the LGBT community, we have close ties with them.
One of their current campaign messages is that #EqualityWins. For such a simple statement there are so many complexities that require addressing to make equality a reality.
The foundation’s website has a dedicated hub providing support for those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be struggling through this pandemic. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, please direct them there; there is lots of helpful information.
Civil Rights in USA
This month remains special to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Just this week, the US Supreme Court ruled that Civil Rights law would protect gay and transgender workers. As a progressive society, it’s unfathomable to think that this had to be ruled, but it is a huge step towards equality.
Doing our Bit
While we are governed by company policies to be respectful and inclusive of a diverse workforce, and to treat each other equally, we are driven by more than just policy.
Both in and outside of work, many of us are a part of, or close to someone within the LGBTQ+ community. We all want the best for our loved ones, so we choose to celebrate Pride, this month, and every month