Let me tell you why Pride matters, 40 years after the first parade in Wales
Sharon James-Evans, is principal of Cardiff and Vale College and a gay woman
Every year I look forward to Pride Month. It's not just to celebrate the progress we've made but to remind myself that, even in moments of joy, we have to stay vigilant. Pride has always been both a celebration and a prompt —a moment to rejoice, but also a call to action and a time to speak out.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the largest not-for-profit LGBTQ+ organisation in Wales, which will host over 50,000 people in a weekend of celebration and solidarity. It promises to be a wonderful event, but beyond the parades and festivities, it's also a reminder of the work still to be done. Everything you need to know about Pride Cymru's weekend in Cardiff is here.
As a gay woman, Pride means so much more than just a celebration of who we are. It's a direct response to the ever-present danger of regression affecting many in our society, especially at a time when there is a rising tide of anti LGBTQ+ legislation is particularly affecting transgender people in the United States. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
And it's not just about trans people. The fight for trans rights is fundamentally a fight for all human rights. It echoes the same ideals that have driven other liberation movements—whether it's for racial justice, women's rights, or disability rights. At its core, the trans rights movement is about autonomy, self-determination, freedom from violence, and the ability to live without societal limitations.
Indeed, I find myself increasingly concerned by what's unfolding in the United States. The attack on transgender rights and the larger LGBTQ+ community there is rippling outward, affecting not just Americans, but people all over the world. It has the potential to become a dangerous export.
(Image: Matthew Horwood)
Meanwhile, here in the UK, the latest Home Office data shows that transphobic hate crimes increased by 186% between 2018 and 2023. It's not right, and it's not fair.
In Cardiff, where I'll be marching with my colleagues at Pride, the realities of these issues feel particularly pressing. Diversity, inclusion, and community are core values at the very heart of our Cardiff and Vale College, and I'm proud that we represent one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in Wales.
As Wales' largest college, we prioritise diversity and inclusivity for our staff and our learners, and we are proud of our thriving and caring community. Our LGBTQ+ Staff Network is a safe space for staff to connect, share experiences, and support one another, enabling cross departmental collaboration and friendships to grow thus promoting an inclusive culture. There is no place for any anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
In fact, we hold the prestigious Leaders in Diversity status, and we are previous winners of the Association of Colleges (AoC) UK-wide Beacon Award. That's testament to our innovative work to embrace equality and inclusion. We also hold a WorldSkills UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador Award and we are second on the NCFD's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces.
This is important because research from Stonewall has shown that LGBTQ+ workers are increasingly prioritising diversity in their workplace. Three-quarters of LGBTQ+ workers want to work for companies that actively support inclusion. Yet despite this demand, bullying and harassment are still rampant in many sectors, with 49% of LGBTQ+ workers reporting unwanted sexual comments or being undermined due to their identity. Even more concerning, one in five LGBTQ+ workers contemplate leaving their job due to lack of LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts.
That's why we celebrate Pride not only as a symbol of who we are but as a rallying cry for action. This is a time for solidarity, not just in marches but in real, everyday actions. As a country, we should be proud to be a safe space where people can live openly, with acceptance and without fear of judgment.
We're reminded of the words of German pastor Martin Niemöller, who warned of the dangers of staying silent in the face of injustice. In his famous poem 'First They Came…', he reflects on how failing to speak out when others are targeted ultimately leaves no one to defend us when we become the target. It's a powerful message for us all. When trans rights are attacked, it is not only a trans issue—it is a human issue. Silence in the face of discrimination allows oppression to grow unchecked.
We must remember that the LGBTQ+ community, including trans people, are like all people - multifaceted, with complex lives, rich relationships, careers, and communities. The struggles they face are a direct result of the prejudice, violence, and barriers that society continues to put in their way. Our collective responsibility is to remove those barriers—whether that's standing up against discrimination, advocating for better healthcare access, or simply being an ally in our workplaces and communities.
Pride is our collective voice—loud, visible, and resolute in saying: we will not be silent. It's about wanting to be part of a multi-cultural and fully inclusive society and creating a world where trans people, and all LGBTQ+ people, can live freely, fully, and safely together.
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