General news
Every June, rainbow flags wave with pride, streets fill with celebrations, and stories from across the LGBTQ+ community emerge in powerful waves of colour, resilience and hope. For many, Pride Month is a celebration. For others, it’s a lifeline - a reminder that they are not alone. For me, it’s both.
I didn’t always feel proud. Like many LGBTQ+ individuals, I grew up feeling different without the language or the support to understand why. I carried questions I was too afraid to ask out loud. I worried about being rejected by friends or family, misunderstood by co-workers, and judged by society. Coming out was not a one time event, it was, and continues to be, a journey of self-discovery and bravery in the face of uncertainty.
When I joined the British Army in 2009, the weight of silence was especially heavy. Although the UK had officially lifted its ban on LGBTQ+ personnel in 2000, the cultural remnants of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, a policy still active in the U.S. at the time, were very much present in military circles around the world. There was still an unspoken rule: blend in, stay quiet, don’t make waves. I served with pride, but not fully as myself. That experience shaped my understanding of why visibility and acceptance matter so deeply, not just in the military, but in every part of society.
At Housing 21 today, I’m fortunate to be part of a community that values inclusion and authenticity. But I know that many people still live and work in environments where they feel the need to hide who they are. That’s why Pride Month matters.
In April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruling has significant implications for the LGBTQ+ community that shows there is still need for Pride and awareness to be brought to these difficult topics.
As we observe Pride Month, it’s crucial to recognise the ongoing challenges and to advocate for policies that uphold the community’s rights and dignity.
Pride Month is also about education and advocacy. It reminds our co-workers, families, and communities that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. It challenges assumptions and builds empathy. It creates space for stories like mine, and so many others to be heard and respected.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire openness, allyship, and continued progress. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally, know that your voice matters. Support can be as simple as listening, learning, speaking up against injustice, or standing beside someone who needs to feel seen.
To everyone celebrating Pride: I see you, I honour you and I celebrate with you.
Happy Pride Month.