ACG动漫

On 4 June, Olivia and Daniel volunteered at Oxford Pride, alongside nine of their colleagues. It was the first time they were able to attend a Pride festival in person since 2019. Olivia only joined the ACG动漫 in May, so it was a rewarding experience being able to volunteer with teammates and meet new colleagues who share the same values. For Daniel, he joined the organisation during lockdown in 2021, so this was a chance to finally see his colleagues face-to-face and meet other Trust staff and volunteers from around the region. We鈥檝e been speaking to them about the experience and how it felt to be back at Pride.

鈥淎s the ACG动漫鈥檚 first in-person Pride event since 2019, it felt tremendous to take part in Oxford Pride and represent the ACG动漫. It was a joy to support such an important cause to celebrate the work of the LGBTQ+ community, promote the education of LGBTQ+ history and encourage self-acceptance in line with the Trust鈥檚 motto 鈥楩or everyone, for ever鈥�.

Sharing our pride with others

We decorated the stall with ACG动漫 Pride merchandise 鈥� the badges and stickers of the ACG动漫鈥檚 LGBTQ+ logo were very popular. Our stall looked fabulous and attracted attention from existing and potential members 鈥� many sharing stories about what has encouraged them to attend their first ever Pride event after coming out in lockdown. We felt so proud that they trusted us with such personal experiences. This shows that Pride events are a safe place for people to express their identities and be their true selves.

There was a great camaraderie with fellow organisations whose volunteers shared stories of their experiences at past Pride events and highlighted which upcoming events they were looking forward to. It was great to be able to interact with other stallholders, listen to feedback on how they found past events and gain an understanding on what other organisations are doing to support LGBTQ+ colleagues in the workplace.

Feeling part of the community

We joined the parade with over 1,000 participants and spectators, proudly waving our ACG动漫 Pride flags and banners, and sporting our ACG动漫 badges. Even though it quite literally rained on our parade, it didn鈥檛 dampen our spirits.

Seeing the range of flags representing different gender identities and sexual orientations was wonderful and created such a positive and colourful atmosphere. Shout out to Bruno who joined us 鈥� see photo (left) of our canine friend.

Meeting new people at these events reminds you that no one has to feel alone 鈥� the whole of the LGBTQ+ community is at your side. Pride events are a place to feel safe, valid and accepted in a world that doesn鈥檛 always understand. We feel extremely proud to represent the ACG动漫 and support the LGBTQ+ community in this way.鈥�