We believe in solidarity – that people can achieve more acting together than they can do on their own.
When we stand together we can celebrate diversity and promote equality.
This was on my mind when I joined in the hugely successful first Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Pride March in 2018 and then again in 2019 carrying the flag for UNISON.
I felt so proud of all the people in west Norfolk who turned out to support, join in and share the love on the day.
At our UNISON stall I met some amazing people. I was happy to see so many young people celebrating the confidence in themselves that pride events generate.
I particularly remember a big bunch of teenagers having great fun showing their straight friends how to be a good ally.
I was also delighted to meet an inspiring group of women who were celebrating standing up to their employer and successfully bringing out-sourced services back in house.
So as well as representing UNISON at Pride, I gained so much from being able to listen and talk to a diverse group of people and to learn from their experience.
Like everyone, I’m sad that this hasn’t turned out to be the summer we expected and that the Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Pride march won’t physically take place this year.
But I’m excited that the virtual event is inviting everyone to share in the party and to hold Pride garden parties at home. Everyone is invited to the celebration and to post on the event’s Facebook page.
Unions stand for equality, fairness and justice, and for dignity and respect for all working people.
That’s why I’m proud to be in UNISON.
Pride is a protest!
UNISON recently held its own virtual Pride celebration with tonnes of pictures and videos showing our contribution to the fight for LGBT+ equality and reminding us why we need to keep it up.
Photo credit: Sas Astro
