Celebrating Pride 2024

03 Jun 24

The arrival of June marks the beginning of Pride month. The purpose of Pride is to raise awareness and advocate for equality, embracing diversity, and affirming the rights and identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

It is important that HPFT recognises Pride as there are many healthcare staff working for HPFT who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we want to ensure that our staff feel like they belong and know that they are supported.

HPFT supports its staff through many different efforts. As well as our Rainbow Staff Network made up of LGBTQ+ staff, we also actively develop inclusion policies together with staff to eliminate discrimination within the Trust.

The Rainbow Staff Network has assisted the HPFT library, located in its Head Office, to add a LGBTQ+ section which includes a range of fiction and non-fiction books curated to assist staff in increasing their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

During Pride, there will also be additional events within HPFT and staff will join in with community events around Hertfordshire to lend their voices in support of Pride.

Why is Pride month still important?

LGBTQ+ individuals have existed throughout history, and been known by various “labels” prior to the ones used today such as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual etc. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community has also long been subject to discrimination and legal measures to minimise freedoms and rights. There are over 60 countries worldwide where non-heterosexual relationships remain illegal, and the rights of transgender people are under threat in many parts of the USA.

The Pride movement and Pride month provide an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, people can meet other members of the community, remember, and celebrate.

History of Pride month

The first ever UK Pride march took place on the 1st July 1972. This date was chosen to commemorate the Stonewall Riots.

The Stonewall Riots (AKA Stonewall Uprising or Stonewall Rebellion) took place in New York on the 28th June 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn.

Patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back against police that day.

The riots went on for several days and led to the formation of activist groups, calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality – this grass roots movement became more widespread, and the Pride movement was born.

Outside of the Stonewall Inn decorated with rainbow Pride flags

Show your allyship by attending an event

International Pride day is held on the 28 June and in the UK, the annual London Pride march is on the nearest Saturday to the 28 June – this year it will be held on Saturday 29 June. There are also many smaller Pride events in towns and cities across the UK – you can find a list HERE.

Related Pages

Celebrating Pride 2024