Pride Month – Katy & Kevin Discuss What Pride Means To Them

Katy Roca – HR Projects Manager

Honestly, “Pride” is a difficult concept for me. I take pride in my achievements, my friends and my family, but it feels like a strange concept to take pride in my sexuality. I’m not “proud” to identify as pansexual, I just love who I love, as naturally as breathing.

It feels strange that there is still a need to carve a month out of the year to promote visibility for how folk choose to identify and the people they choose to love. It saddens me that there is still a need to fight and remind the world that I deserve the same rights as everybody else. Same-sex marriage was only legalised in 2014, ten years ago, with Northern Ireland following suit just four years ago in 2020.

That said, whilst I do wish Pride wasn’t necessary, I am thankful for the opportunity to shed a spotlight on those who have worked, and are still working hard, to normalise something that is natural to so many; as although it can feel excessive to some to paint the world with rainbows for one month a year, the other 11 can still be pretty grey from where we stand.

Kevin Smith – Area Manager, Scotland

Pride is a recognition that a lot of work needs to be done to improve inclusivity and diversity. I feel that, if more recognition was made or acceptance of all existed, then perhaps pride month wouldn’t need to be marked as it is. 

Whilst it can be viewed as a celebration of those involved, it could also be seen as a much needed peaceful protest against a lack of support which we all know currently exists. I hope this shows I support EDI and Pride and doesn’t come across as anything other than support.