Pride Month June 2022

Each year, Pride is celebrated in the month of June, as that was the month when the Stonewall riots took place. Pride Month remembers the communities struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal opportunities for the lesbian, gay, bisexualtransgender, and queer community. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ individuals, increase the visibility of the community, while also calling out inequality.

Pride is all about being proud of who you are no matter who you love.

A brief history of Gay Pride

On June 28th, 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride parade started from Stonewall. The initial event marked the call to action for equal rights for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Today the event belongs to queer people everywhere. You can find your nearest Pride event here.

What does Pride mean to you?

This year, we interviewed several men and women across the business, who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We asked for their thoughts on why Pride is important to them and how people can be better allies to the community in the future. Including; Hayden Winters, Senior Cloud and Digital Solutions Manager and Kristina Perry, Associate in Assurance and Audit Group.

Staff voices

Pride for me is a celebration of truth, diversity, and unity. It’s about championing ourselves and our community. Pride month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the courage of those before us. Whilst continuing the fight for the freedom and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially in places where progress has not been forthcoming.

Kristina Perry, Associate, Assurance and Advisory Group

To me Pride is about the freedom and opportunity to be truly comfortable in yourself. It is also about being proud of contributing to a community that celebrates diversity.

Deaglan Johnson, Trainee, Business Services Group

Pride represents representation and inclusion. As a minority, where the differentiating factor is not visibly obvious, it can be quite isolating to see those around you, knowing that there are differences. This feeling is permeated when you factor in media and ordinary day-to-day conversations. Often it can be really challenging to find representation, or people like you. Whether this is in movies or assumptions of the gender of your significant other, this can make you feel excluded. 

Hayden Winters, Senior Cloud & Digital Solutions Manager


For me, pride is a celebration of how far we have come as a community. And also how we have overcome many challenges. People are finally starting to feel accepted for who they truly are, and I believe everyone should be celebrating this. Everyone should be able to be who they are and love who they love. Sexuality and gender means nothing!

Amy Allwright, Executive Assistant, Business Services Group

Pride for me is an expression of freedom and self-truth. It provides a real celebration for people to show who they are in a safe and open environment. Which, sadly isn’t always the case in everyday life. Pride celebrations reflect complete happiness and provide such a positive atmosphere. It encourages you to be yourself and be able to live the life however you wish to.

Katie Sanders, Manager, Business Services Group

To me, Pride represents the ability and freedom to be who I am unapologetically. To openly love the persons I choose without stigma. Remembering the past that gave me the freedoms I have today. Engaging in honest conversations and pushing for further intersectional equity in the future.

Jonny Matthews, Digital Marketing Executive, Practice Support Group

Celebrating Pride month

We held a lunchtime networking session for everyone in the Worthing office to discuss Pride month and learn about the different identities and public figures within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Proud paid supporter of Worthing Pride 2022

As well as hosting an event, we also became an official supporter of Worthing Pride 2022. The monies raised go towards Switchboard Dementia Support, a service for LGBTQIA+ people living with or affected by dementia or concerned about memory loss. You can find out more here.


Happy Pride Month!