Throughout June and July, the University of Westminster proudly celebrated Pride Month by bringing together colleagues, students, alumni and guests for London Pride and Trans Pride. Organised by the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team and the Q+ Network, both events reflected the University's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming and supportive community for LGBTQ+ people and allies.
The London Pride celebrations on 4 July began with a lively Pride Breakfast, where more than 60 colleagues, students, alumni and friends gathered to prepare for the day's festivities. The breakfast created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with attendees enjoying food, conversation and the opportunity to connect with one another before joining the Pride march.
Activities included poster-making and face painting, allowing everyone to express themselves creatively while preparing for the celebrations ahead. A special highlight of the morning was Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield surprising attendees with a celebratory Pride cake, bringing everyone together to mark the occasion before heading into central London.
Wearing University of Westminster Pride T-shirts, participants proudly joined thousands of people for the London Pride parade. Together, the Westminster group marched through the capital, celebrating diversity, visibility and equality while enthusiastically chanting: "We're here, we're queer, we're Westminster!"
Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, said: "Visibility matters! In a world where prejudices remain against LGBTQ+ people, it is vital for a progressive university to reiterate its commitment to being a home for all. As a queer person as well as a senior leader myself, it always feels special to me to witness this and be an active part of it."
Later in the month, the University community came together once again to celebrate Trans Pride London. Members of the entire Q+ Network Committee joined colleagues, students and allies for another day of celebration, visibility and community.
The event fostered a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, with attendees describing it as feeling like one big family coming together in solidarity. Activities included poster-making, a silent disco and opportunities to visit the UNISON stall, where attendees could collect resources and Pride-themed giveaways while learning more about support available to LGBTQ+ communities.
Rhiannon Thomas Val, a UNISON committee member and organiser of this event, added: "With all of the changes happening around us on a wider scale, it was very important to us that we show our commitment to the Trans+ community and represent how welcoming the University of Westminster is. Organising this event has been a wonderful opportunity for the Q+ Network to collaborate with our UNISON committee and the Regent Street Cinema to create a space for our students, colleagues and the public to come together to celebrate and support London Trans+ Pride.”
Rajat Shah, EDI Officer at the University of Westminster, said: “Pride means being my authentic self. From studying for my Master's to working here, Westminster has always made me feel seen and heard. It’s an honour to organise London Pride each year, celebrating with my chosen family, and seeing so much shared joy makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Bringing the community together to celebrate Pride and be their authentic selves directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 10: Reduced Inequalities Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about upcoming equality, diversity and inclusion events at the University of Westminster.
