This year, the University of Westminster celebrated Pride with breakfast, later followed by a Pride march, bringing together students, alumni, colleagues, partners and guests for a day of joy, creativity and connection.
The breakfast, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor's Office, held on 5 July, featured henna art by Tahmina Artistry, Pride-themed makeup by Fashion Marketing and Promotion BA Honours student Mahjurah Begum (MJ), and music provided by Audio Production MA student DJ Anushka Datta. The breakfast created a welcoming space to gather, reflect and celebrate the queer community ahead of the London Pride march. Participants also acknowledged the recent success at the Queer Student Award 2025 where Westminster was named University of the Year.
For the second year in a row, the University marched in London, with around 50 participants, the majority of whom were students. Senior leaders Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, and Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability and Co-chair of the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, also joined the march along with colleagues, PhD researchers, alumni and friends.
Some participants marched with banners and posters declaring messages that transgender rights are human rights, while chanting “we are here, we are queer, we are Westminster” and “no LGB without the T”.
The march was not only a celebration, but also an act of resistance and solidarity. It offered participants the opportunity to build community, amplify queer voices and engage in meaningful conversations about equality, visibility and justice.
EDI Officer Rajat Shah said: “At Westminster, Pride is more than a moment - it’s a movement. One rooted in care, action and a shared commitment to making our University and society more inclusive for all. Together, through the work of the EDI Team and Q+ Network, we continue to create space where all identities are seen, supported and celebrated.”
Professor Anand said: “Visibility matters including to those who have been invisibilised and/or marginalised due to their sexuality; as a queer person, I am one of them. It is heartening when we can celebrate our diverse identities in public, protest prejudices targeting LGBTQ+ persons and renew our resolve to be an institution where every single person can bring their whole self to study or work. I was especially delighted to see so many international students participating in our march. We are providing a safe space they may not always have.”
Eduardo Lees and Maria Jula, Co-chairs of the University's Q+ Network, added: “Marching for Pride felt like a powerful moment for us to celebrate our identities and enjoy being part of the Westminster LGBTQ+ community. Alongside celebrating queer joy, it was also a chance to stand up for LGBTQ+ voices and identities and to loudly and proudly push back against threats to our representation and recognition. As Q+ Co-chairs, it was especially meaningful to spend time with colleagues and students to hear how we can better support them.”
Ananya Kerketta, Vice-President of the LGBTQ+ Student Society, added: “Walking in the Pride march was an emotional experience for me cause when I walked, I walked for those who couldn’t, those not out yet and those who are no longer here. It felt really nice to be seen and supported as a queer person by so many people, and I am really grateful for the University of Westminster to have created a safe and welcoming environment for all queer individuals!”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 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.
Learn more about equality, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Westminster.
