University of Hertfordshire makes Pride in London debut

On Saturday, July 1, students and staff joined more than 30,000 people for the parade, which started at Hyde Park Corner before making its way through central London to Whitehall Place.

Fifty people from the University marched in the parade, with representation from across the staff and student body – including members of the university’s staff LGBTQ+ network, LGBT+ student society, Herts SU, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office.

The University of Hertfordshire at Pride in London. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

During the parade, group members marched alongside the UNO Pride Bus, which is wrapped in the Progress Pride Flag colours, and is now a permanent fixture in the UNO fleet.

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"We are so thrilled to have attended Pride this year as a university," said Christopher Lloyd, co-chair of the staff LGBTQ+ network.

"It means a lot for both staff and students to see their institution standing behind LGBTQ+ people.

University of Hertfordshire at Pride in London. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

"While Pride can sometimes seem corporate, we are hoping that this gathering of staff and students in the parade shows how connected and supportive we are. The UNO Pride bus is a great visual representation of that."

Chloe McKendrick, co-chair of the staff LGBTQ+ network, added: "I am beyond thrilled to have proudly walked alongside my fellow colleagues and students at Pride in London for the first time this year.

"The incredible moment symbolised our collective celebration of equality, diversity and inclusion at Herts.

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University of Hertfordshire at Pride in London. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

"As we marched together, we demonstrated our unwavering support for every individual’s right to love, express themselves and be embraced for who they are."

Mohammed Ilyas, head of equality, diversity and inclusion, continued: "We have done some great work to advance LGBTQ+ equality at Herts over the last two to three years.

"Attending and representing our community at Pride in London was not only important to demonstrate our commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, but to stand in solidarity with the community as a whole.

"There are still 64 countries that have laws that criminalise homosexuality, and although we have made great progress in the UK, we still have a long way to go."

University of Hertfordshire at Pride in London. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)