Pride in Hull is delighted to announce that six major organisations have become partners of the event. The University of Hull, BP, Sainsbury’s, NHS Hull CCG, NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG, and NHS Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals have all signed up to work with organisers to deliver an event that promotes inclusivity.
The annual celebration of equality, diversity and LGBT+ culture attracted 44,000 attendees and event organisers have an even more spectacular and inclusive event planned for this weekend. The festival, which takes place on Saturday 21 July will begin with a huge parade through the city, with creative input managed by the team behind the Back to Ours festival. The parade will be followed by the festival itself, which will see artists including UK Eurovision act SuRie, electropop artist Bright Light Bright Light, Ru Paul’s Drag Race superstar Adore Delano, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle and more in Queens Gardens.
Andy Train, vice-chair of Pride in Hull said: “We’re very pleased to welcome these major organisations as partners of the event. We choose who to approach about partnerships very carefully as its important to us that we share the same values. We truly applaud their commitment to equality and we look forward to working with each of them on the day itself and beyond.”
Karen de Lathouder, BP Hull plant manager, said: “We’re proud to once again support this year’s Pride in Hull. It’s a fun and energising event, which brings people from diverse backgrounds together.
“At BP, we are committed to the well-being of the LGBT community; we want to create a workplace where all employees feel safe to be open about their lives. We have visible LGBT role models and a network of ‘allies’ across the organisation, openly championing and supporting LGBT-inclusive policies and employees. The role of allies is powerful, as it drives the conversation from a ‘minority discourse’ to one of talent, performance and innovation.”
Ben France is the Hull lead for BP Pride, the group which supports LGBT inclusion. He added: “Our focus on these topics is primarily to support our employees, make them feel welcome, and ensure they can bring their whole self to work with no fear of judgement or discrimination.
“Research shows that more diverse companies, which exhibit inclusive behaviours, perform better. Taking part in events like Pride in Hull is an active step to support our LGBT colleagues and sends a public message of support, which I believe will help us continue to attract the best talent.”
Anja Hazebroek, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Hull, said: “Bringing people together of different backgrounds, views and approaches is at the heart of the University experience and by creating an open and inclusive environment where people can be themselves, we create a richer, more creative learning environment. Pride in Hull epitomises this sentiment, providing a wonderful platform for diversity, inclusivity and creativity to create a fabulous atmosphere and welcoming environment at the heart of our city.
“The University of Hull is proud to be at the heart of our community and Pride in Hull is a wonderful event that we are looking forward to celebrating alongside our LGBT+ colleagues, students and friends. It brings the city together in celebration and kick-starts a brilliant season of festivals.”
Jane Richardson from Sainsbury’s said: “Sainsbury’s is supporting Pride as we aim to be the most inclusive retailer. Pride is important as it’s the annual celebration of the LGBT community and it really helps bring people together.”
Lucy Vere, event co-ordinator for the NHS, said: “The NHS is 70-years-old this year. Ever since 1948 it has embraced and promoted diversity and equality. It is an institution which our nation is proud to celebrate and I am pleased to say that Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull CCG and East Riding of Yorkshire CCG have all come together to sponsor this year’s Pride in Hull on behalf of all of our NHS staff locally.”
Andy Train continued: “We had an incredible year in 2017 and we’re confident people will love what we have planned this year too. However, we couldn’t achieve it without the support of our partners who make it possible.”
