I have always felt that the council are inclusive employers. They are really focused on looking at talent as opposed to anything else.
Over the years, the word Pride has changed for me. Back in 2004 I was a single mother of one and had just come out as gay to my family and friends. In those early years, Pride meant that I had support and a family who understood me and that I could lean on.
Throughout the years this expanded for me as I grew to understand and feel more comfortable with myself. I am now married with another child and identify as pansexual. Pansexuality is the sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people, regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Pride for me now means giving support (now I am an older member of the community), remembering how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Pride is knowing that it’s okay to be yourself, even if you don’t see validation of that.
My children inspire me every day. I am so proud and excited that they are growing up in a more inclusive world. They both fiercely fight for what they believe in, and I couldn’t be more proud of that.
Unfortunately, discrimination is still there, even within the LGBTQI+ community itself. When I met my husband 12 years ago, I received more discrimination from members of the community than when I initially came out as gay. This was a huge shock as you can imagine. Even though the younger part of the community has helped us to understand that sexual orientation can be fluid, I feel there is still a long way to go.
I recently had a conversation with someone who remarked, “Well, why isn’t there a straight Pride?” This is often a question that I hear. To put it simply, it is because heterosexual people have not had to fight for their right to love. They have not been beaten up coming out of a club, just for holding the hand of the person they love.
Keep being vocal when you see discrimination. Be kind, accepting and offer support to those around you. American NBA player, Jason Collins, was the first in the NBA to openly come out as gay. He once said, “Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.”
I have often attended Reading Pride over the years and find it to be a really lovely family orientated day.