Embracing Pride Month

A Few Facts About Why Pride Celebrations are in June in the UK

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

In the UK, Pride celebrations have become a significant part of the cultural landscape, showcasing the progress made and the journey ahead.

Cities across the country light up in rainbow colours, hosting a variety of events from parades to cultural exhibitions, all aimed at promoting inclusivity, equality, and love.

Are you celebrating Pride?

Your Co-op is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Supporting local Pride events is crucial for fostering community and belonging, especially in smaller or more isolated areas. While major city Pride events raise national and global awareness, regional events have the biggest impact on the ground. They offer safe spaces, connect people with similar experiences, and promote understanding and acceptance at a grassroots level. By supporting local Prides, we ensure inclusivity and celebration reach every corner, making a tangible difference in LGBTQ+ lives. We've also changed our logos across our social channels in support of Pride!

We know lots of our colleagues will be celebrating Pride by attending various events, and we would love to hear from you! So please send in your photos and what Pride means to you to DiversityAndInclusion@midcounties.coop so we can share your stories with colleagues across the Society.

• Walsall Pride – 27th July 2025

• Warwickshire Pride – 16th August 2025

• Gloucestershire Pride – 13th September 2025

Lets hear from Michelle Simons, from our Inclusion Allies Network, on what Pride means to her

As someone who strongly believes in fairness, equality & justice alongside a passion for learning and development, Pride to me means the freedom to express who we are; freedom from social oppression and archaic societal ‘norms’.  It's about trying to teach tolerance, encourage acceptance, and help people understand that we are all human, regardless of our differences.

I hope we can advance into a world where people are accepted for who they are, even when their beliefs don’t align with our own. Pride is about pushing forward with that message;. One day, I hope the barriers and categories that divide us will fall away, and we’ll simply live and let live, in a kinder, more evolved society.

Right now, we need to speak up; shout about our differences and celebrate them.  Because only by embracing what makes us unique can we begin to shape a more open, compassionate way of thinking. It’s how we evolve, both as people and as a race.

Apart from that (!!) it’s an incredible celebration; full of colour, sparkles, rainbows, style, brilliant energy, and some seriously brilliant outfits. The atmosphere is electric, and the sense of belonging and togetherness is fab! 

Happy Pride Month!