Rainbows are a symbol of HOPE - importance of Pride during COVID19
In 2019, we noted 50 years of progress since the rainbow was claimed by the LGBT+ community as a symbol of hope for equality with the emergence of the gay rights movements and gay pride marches around the world. It has been great to see visible displays of rainbows painted across communities as a continued sign of hope during this pandemic.
Over the last year the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Rainbow network has met regularly with the aim to promote a positive attitude towards LGBT+ people and raise the profile of LGBT+ equality throughout the university. We have screened a series of LGBT+ movies to highlight the challenges still faced by the LGBTIQ+ community today: homelessness, self-isolation, disability, health and wellbeing, trans-specific care, access to services for older and younger people and advice for asylum seekers.
In March, the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Rainbow Network were excited to share the British Film Institute Flare Festival, five films for freedom. This project encourages everyone to watch and share films in solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ communities in countries where freedom and equal rights are limited. This was an excellent opportunity to bring the network together online as we celebrated these films virtually at home.
Pride is an important opportunity for everyone to recognise and value the contribution of LGBTIQ+ staff, students, alumni and friends of the university. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements that have been made towards greater equality whilst renewing the University’s commitment to continue to create an inclusive working environment for all staff.
At ºìÐÓÊÓƵ we strive towards creating a working, learning and social atmosphere which is inclusive, harmonious and respectful of diversity. In the run up to Grampian Pride this week and for the whole of Pride Month, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ social media channels will feature the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Pride logo. The University has deliberately chosen to do this to support the LGBT+ community which represent the culture and values of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ.
This year Students, Staff, Alumni and friends of the University will join in with virtually, at home on Saturday 30 May.
We are coming together during this period of self-isolation to demonstrate this act of solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community to celebrate the diversity of our staff, alumni and students that study at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ from all over the world.
#GrampianPride2020 #VirtuallyGrampianPride
