What Pride means to me?

This weekend marks Birmingham Pride, one of the biggest Pride events in the UK.

It’s an opportunity to be visible and proud of all our communities.

It’s also our time to reflect on those who went before us, trailblazing through some real adversity and animosity to give us the acceptance, respect, and legal rights we have today.

At the heart of Pride lies a pivotal time in history, as we commemorate the Stonewall Riots and the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

As much fun as the parade is, it’s important that we don’t forget exactly why it is we’re celebrating.

I’m David Tomalin, Delivery Manager for Strategic Key Accounts in the EHSC directorate.

I was born in Coventry and have lived all over the West Midlands, before deciding to move out to Kiddermister a couple of years ago.

I joined WMCA three years ago because I saw a job that was right up my street. I’ve not looked back since – every day is different and I always enjoy it.

Homosexuality was still illegal when I was born. I’ve lived through hateful laws, police brutality, Section 28 and the AIDS epidemic. People I have known have been murdered, beaten up, rejected from their families and cut out of their partner’s funerals and estates.

However, I’ve also seen changes in the law. I’ve seen the introduction of same-sex marriage and civil partnerships, growing recognition of the power of diversity within the workforce and beyond, as well as the rise of allyship, support and collaboration.

The LGBTQ+ community is no different to any other. It’s full of differing people, attitudes and opinions. You tend to find your part of your tribe that works for you, but the whole community is incredibly strong and resilient. I’d like to give everyone an example; in the dark days of the AIDS epidemic, it was lesbians who stepped forward to help nurse and support affected gay men.

We’ve come a long way. Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s capacity to survive and thrive. Let’s face it – we’ve always been around. Perhaps not so visibly, but around nonetheless.

I’m pleased that again this year, colleagues from across the CA will be representing us during the parade.

But, if I’m totally honest, I’m not so concerned about the rainbow, the flags or the month.

Workplaces that value diversity deliver more, are better places to work and allow us all to be whoever we are. If it’s a great place to work, you retain staff. People will want to work here. Pride should be in place all the time.