For the last 4 years during the month of June I have organised an RCN pride event within my organisation. It's a privilege for me to celebrate Pride with my LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. In my blog I'll detail how I created our Pride event for Milton Keynes Branch this year and why I will continue to support this particularly important time of year. 

What is Pride?
Pride is a dedicated time during the summer and events usually start taking place in the month of June because it commemorates the Stonewall Riots (a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights). Pride recognises and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society, and it advocates for their continued fight for equality and human rights. During Pride the LGBTQ+ community celebrate their identities, and allies show their support. It is a time where everyone can learn about LGBTQ+ history and the challenges the community still faces. 

Why do I feel the need to organise this event?
For as long as I can remember I have been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Having friends, family and colleagues that sit within this community, I have heard their stories of inequality and the injustice that many of them have faced. As a member of the RCN and being an active member of my local branch means we can provide this event on behalf of the RCN, which shows the commitment that the RCN has to being an inclusive organisation that represents a hugely diverse workforce.   

Often people not involved in or with the LGBTQ+ community enquire why Pride events like the ones I organise are still needed. I explain that our RCN branch Pride event is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ colleagues to celebrate their identities, for allies like me to show their support, and for everyone to learn about LGBTQ+ history and the many challenges the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, still face currently. 

This year my vision for our Pride event was to hold it in one location and have speakers talking about current issues, followed by a Pride quiz. I picked the date of our Pride event this year to coincide with our 'Caring for the LGBTQ+ community in an acute setting' study day that I facilitate in my workplace. We were then able to collaborate with the hospital's LGBTQ+ network, so that they could join us for the event. 

I booked an appropriate room in our hospital academic centre. I then contacted the South East regional office a few weeks before the event and I was assisted by a lovely staff member called Clair with sourcing merchandise and literature. This all arrived in advance of the event. 

I contacted our Kate Jarman, Chief Corporate Services Officer and Lead for the LGBTQ+ Network, and asked her to open the event for us, I also invited the Chief Executive Joe Harrison and the senior nursing team. I extended this invite to all departments in the hospital and made sure an advert for it went out in the CEO weekly. I also contacted our RCN South East comms team Helen and Anna who sent out an email invite to all our local RCN members in Milton Keynes. I also made up posters and distributed these around the hospital and into local nursing homes.

Pride Event Day 
The event was opened by Kate with a very empowering speech that included showing support of our trans colleagues and patients. We discussed the high court ruling around biological sex and talked about the fears of the LGBTQ+ community currently. 

It was a wonderfully supported event; I met some very inspirational members of the LGBTQ+ community, in particular a transgender woman who explained her journey through transition. I met colleagues with family members who are LGBTQ+ who wanted to know more about how they could be an ally. It was also a chance for our LGBTQ+ colleagues to share their experiences and concerns. The Pride quiz rounded off a wonderfully inclusive event.

Why I will continue to organise events
Pride means being able to live one’s life in a way that is free from scrutiny, and allyship to me is  actively supporting, advocating for, and standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, making sure I educate myself, I challenge prejudice, and I help to create inclusive spaces.

Joining the RCN and becoming an active member has allowed me to network, grow and develop to the point that I confidently enjoy arranging and participating in branch events. The South East regional office team are so supportive of ideas and show you how to bring them to fruition. I'm very much looking forward to our next event celebrating Nursing Support Workers' Day in November.