Supporting Typhoons at Preston Pride
We felt very privileged to walk alongside Lancashire’s first inclusive rugby club, Typhoons, at this year’s Preston Pride event.
As one of the club’s sponsors, members of our Pride in Progress colleague network joined the Typhoons in the Pride Parade, from UCLAN, in Fylde Road, to the Flag Market.
They also supported members of Typhoons’ as they had a stall on Preston’s Flag Market.
Preston Pride was first established in 2012, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. The event is centred around taking a positive stance against discrimination and includes information stalls and entertainment.
For the second year running, the event included a parade from Fylde Road, through Friargate and to the Flag Market.
Jude, EDI Business Partner, said: “I really enjoyed my first Pride event and it was great to have the opportunity to join with Typhoons. It was an amazing display of diversity and standing together for equality and inclusion.”
Carina, Head of Performance and Planning, RWP, said: “Being a part of a local pride is hugely important to show our support for the community and for our sponsored rugby team, the Typhoons. What struck me was the range of diversity represented on the Flag Market. There were stalls for advocacy, victim support groups, and social groups for everything from dating to skating! It really highlighted how much support and connection there is in the community and the wonderful people who give up their time to volunteer.”
Neil, Head of Group Customer Experience, said: “It was great to be able to join in the parade with the Typhoons and wear their shirt with pride! There was good wholesome family and community vibe around the event. I felt a great sense of togetherness as we all celebrated LGBTQIA+ people and culture in the area.”
RWP involved tenant David also attended the event, volunteering as part of the Lancashire Autism Peer and Self Advocacy Service (LAPSS).
He said: “LAPSS made its debut at Preston Pride last year and it was so successful that it was only natural that we would attend again this year. I was happy to learn that the Pride in Progress Network was going to take part in the parade, and so I joined in with colleagues on the day.
“I helped to hold the Preston Typhoons RUFC banner with colleagues during the Pride event. It was a very enjoyable day and we all look ahead to next year's Pride season.”