Everyday is Pride! Be the Rainbow in the clouds

Another year, another celebration of an event which changed the course of the lives of LGBTQ+ people around the western world. We have witnessed advocacy and activism around the world, where some countries have pass laws to protect, laws for same sex marriage and more.

However, news of discrimination and laws passed to dehumanise and imprison LGBTQ+ people still permeate some countries and recent news still gives our pride celebration a vital importance to continue the fight for our rights to be who we are, an integral part of our communities, society and the world.

Pride 2023

So, this pride, I urge you to be vocal about your activism and support to steer the false narratives plaguing our community, the distorted misinformation and disinformation we have all witness across the media and social media platforms. Speak to your allies, challenge their views and set the course for a different kind of dialogue.

To my allies, become aware of the constant half in and half out support, challenge your own blind spots and be patient with yourself, as patience and conviction of doing the right thing, we can educate ourselves, our community and the wider world around us. But this begins right here, with you, at your dinner tables, in conference rooms and more.

Visibility & Representation matters more than ever this year!

In hopes to impart some inspiration, we asked some of our members of staff here at UON to share their views on Pride and Allyship. Here are the questions we asked them below, followed by their answers:

• What does Pride mean to you?
• As a member/ally, how do you show your support/allyship to the community?
• What are you doing this pride to showcase your activism and celebration?

Shan Wareing

Deputy Vice Chancellor

I’m showing my allyship by supporting my LGBTQ+ 15-year-old in exploring and establishing his identity, navigating conventions and risks, and blazing with light like the force of nature he is.

Annie Doughty

Social Media Manager & Co-Chair of LGBTQ+ Network

What does Pride Mean to you?

Pride is a pushback on the forces that seek to undermine and destroy the progress that we’ve made towards true equality for all people. It marks and reminds the patriarchy and our hetero-centric society that there exists a community of people who won’t assimilate into the strict boxes that they’ve laid out, that there are possibilities for human flourishing that lie beyond what they want for us. Pride should be loud, disruptive and emotional. It should centre community and our networks that exist to raise up all marginalised people. It’s a show of strength in the face of rising fascism and white supremacy. Pride is a brick through a mirror in the bar of the Stonewall Inn.

As a member/ally, how do you show your support/allyship to the community?

The staff network exists as a support net and a social group. It’s a place where the LGBT+ community can come for help, for a place that understands us, and for support. My activism is helping to steer the group, taking our voice to the people who need to hear it.

What are you doing this pride to showcase your activism and celebration?

This pride I will be hugging my friends, donating to queer led groups, existing in defiance and living vigorously.

Nick Allen

Executive Officer

What does pride mean to you?

Pride provides an opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful people in the LGBTQ+ community and the amazing things they do.

As a member /ally, how do you show your support/allyship to the community?

I am a member of the Northampton Pride Committee.

 What are you doing this pride to showcase your activism and celebration?

This year I am working closely with colleagues from West Northamptonshire Council and the University to host Northampton Pride 2023 on the University campus.

Anthony Stephniak

Deputy Head of Subject- Culture-Media, Film & Special Effects

What does pride mean to you?

Pride is an opportunity for members and allies of the LBGT+ to come together to be celebrated, have visibility, and be proud of who they are. This is important when often the world we live in is not inclusive to LBGT+ persons.

 As a member /ally, how do you show your support/allyship to the community?

In my job, I like to pride myself on being a positive role model for the LGBT+ community and allies we have in our fellow staff and student communities. I ensure that my teaching and research is involved in this representation of LGBT+ identities and that the curriculum I deliver is inclusive. Finally, I am proud to be part of the LGBT+ Staff Network and am committed to making UON a safe, thriving place for LGBT+ people.

 What are you doing this pride to showcase your activism and celebration?

I am taking an active part in Northampton Pride with my wonderful team and student from BA (Hons) Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen. We will be offering make-overs PrideStyle!

We would love to hear your views on what Pride means to you either in written or video format. Send this to brand@northampton.ac.uk.

Junior-Cudjoe Impraim

Junior-Cudjoe ( JC) works in the marketing and international department, an alumni to the university. He is part of the LGBTQ+ and GEM Staff Network.