June marks Pride month, a global movement that commemorates and celebrates the experiences and impact of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to raise awareness of the ongoing fight for equality around the world.
The UK’s first official Pride march took place in London on 1 July 1972, which was the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Around 2,000 people marched through central London to promote freedom, challenge discrimination, and protest the continued criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people.
You can explore the history of Pride in Britain here.
The rainbow flag: an enduring symbol of Pride
The rainbow flag is the most recognisable symbol of Pride, but where did it come from, and what do its colours represent? The original rainbow flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an American artist, designer, and LGB TQ+ activist as a symbol of hope and positivity for the gay community. Baker assigned each colour a meaning:
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Pink for sexuality
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Red for life
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Orange for healing
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Yellow for sunlight
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Green for nature
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Turquoise for magic
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Indigo for serenity
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Violet for spirit
The flag has evolved significantly over the years to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, alongside additional designs created by activists and designers to represent a broader range of identities. A recent design embraced by many is the 2018 Progress Pride flag. It champions inclusivity, highlighting the importance of representation and recognising the experiences of all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
You can read more about the evolution of the Pride flag here.
What does Pride month mean to us?
According to Stonewall, more than 35% of LGBTQ+ staff have hidden their sexuality or identity at work for fear of discrimination.
Pride Month offers an opportunity for all of us to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, while demonstrating meaningful allyship to our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners. True workplace inclusion starts with each of us - by being curious, conscious and supportive, we can help create an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to be their authentic selves.