CELEBRATING PRIDE - A MONTH OF UNITY AND INCLUSION

Throughout June, the equality, diversity, and inclusion steering group were busy organising a jam-packed calendar of events for ARL colleagues. Pride activity this year was led by Matthew Hayes, service delivery manager, Toni-Anne Davis, communications coordinator, and Liam Nixon, customer host. Liam took the initiative to connect the team with Outbound, TfL’s LGBTQIA+ colleague network, organising meetings to align our plans for Pride this year.

We began with Ginger’s Bingo, a collaborative event with Outbound.

“The Ginger’s Bingo event was a really fun night with great people. It was well paced with great entertainment.” – John Mortlock, occupational health and safety specialist

“Drag bingo was such a great choice. Great end to my week. Thank you for arranging a great venue.” – Tracey Martin, gateline assistant

“I thought the event was FAB. The venue was perfect and really well organised. I also really appreciated being able to bring a non-ARL plus one. I would definitely like to attend more bingo or similar events in the future.” – Hester Ingram, operations business improvement manager

ARL parents, carers and guardian’s employee network group teamed up with TfL’s Carers, Parents and Guardians and OUTbound to host ‘Caring Parents’, a hybrid event featuring Sarah Teichler, inclusive design specialist, and Tracey Martin .

The talk focused on parents who have children who are from the LGBTQIA+ community, how they supported their children, and the challenges they have come across. If did not get the chance to attend, you can view this talk.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from the event, but I left having learned so much about what is it like to be part of the LGBTQIA+ parents and carers community, and with a better understanding about what it must be like to experience the loss of a child and grandchild. Everyone was so open and vulnerable, and I was inspired and touched by the stories. I left knowing that as an ally, a parent and a line manager, I can now not only better support others, I can also call on the experience of others should I need it.” – Sara Barrow, head of communications

Amid all our celebrations, executive team travelled to Gospel Oak in brightly coloured clothing representing a value of the Pride flag colours: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity, and purple for spirit.

Next, we hosted an LGBTQIA+ walk with Mark from London with a Local. Mark guided us through the streets of Charing Cross and Soho, illustrating the colourful history of the city. We learned about the first recognised drag queen, Princess Seraphina, dating back to 1732. Born John Cooper, Seraphina championed queerness when it was still very much illegal. We also explored the history of The Shim Sham Club, which opened on Wardour Street in the mid-1930s. This black jazz bar welcomed people of all races and sexualities. It was ultimately shut down in 1935 after a police raid. Letters sent to the police shockingly described the space as a “rendezvous for homosexual perverts” and noted the interracial mingling.

“It was incredibly eye-opening to learn so much about LGBTQIA+ history. We were given the chance to see how pioneers helped shape the city we know and love today.” – Toni-Anne Davis, communications coordinator

We attended Outbound’s event on the newly named Mildmay line, a special trip on the diversity train starting from Stratford. The journey featured inspiring speeches from notable figures, including the Transport Commissioner and the CEO of Mildmay Hospital. Attendees were delighted to receive tote bags filled with pride-themed goodies, courtesy of ARL.

Our final event was the LGBTQIA+ White Collar boxing event, an annual event where fighters, who have spent weeks training, showcase their skills under the lights of the Clapham Grand. The event raises money for Pride in London, which supports LGBTQIA+ organisations and charities throughout London.

“It was a brilliant evening of boxing, singing, and dancing, an excellent way to round off the programme of events. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the events!” – Matthew Hayes, service delivery manager

During Pride Month, we hosted a raffle with three potential winners. Congratulations to the fortunate recipients who will receive the following:

Our month wouldn’t be complete without joining TfL’s float for Pride in London. It was a beautiful day to celebrate and recognise the LGBTQIA+ community and the strides that have been taken, as well as the continuous work that needs to be done.

“Pride is exhilarating and energising, a kaleidoscopic slice of amazing diversity showcasing just how far we have come but there is always a reminder on the fringes of just how much further there is still to go.” – Dean Wallace, customer host

“Pride symbolises a celebration of voices heard, acknowledged, and accepted. Seeing generations unite in joy gives hope for a better future of acceptance and unity.” – Nishalini Sookun, learning and development advisor

“After working so closely with TfL on our plans this year, we were honoured to attend and support their float for the Pride in London march. Albeit on a very hot day.” – Liam Nixon, customer host

We are immensely proud of the events and activities organised this month, which have not only created a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this June a success. Together, we continue to make strides toward a more inclusive and accepting future.

The pride team is hard at work preparing a customer event for Black Pride in Hackney Wick on 11 August. TfL is also supporting Bi Pride on 31 August and Trans Pride on 27 July. To volunteer, email lopride@arrivarl.co.uk.