Proud to be a part of Birmingham Pride

UoB students joined thousands of people in the city centre to celebrate the return of Birmingham Pride 2021.  

“You are loved, you are beautiful, you are important.” Just one of the many banners on display during the Birmingham Pride parade on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September 2021.

For the first time ever, around 200 UoB students, staff and alumni marched alongside colleagues and friends from Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, Newman University and University of Wolverhampton – befitting the theme ‘Stronger Together’.

Delayed due to the pandemic, thousands of people came together to celebrate LGBTQ+ achievement, life and love. It was certainly a party atmosphere with rainbow flags and spirits flying high. On the Saturday, the streets were awash with colour with some spectacular floats including our ‘UNIfied at Pride’ float. On board was the Guild President, the Welfare & Community Officer, the University's Methodist Chaplain as well as staff, students and their family members.

Also celebrating Pride with us was Yajur Arora, one of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassadors (EDISA):

“As an ally and student member attending Pride for the first time, I had a truly wonderful experience and believe that the event was one of the best I've attended during my time at Birmingham. There was something for everyone - food trucks, drinks, concerts, and thrilling rides! Last but not least the parade was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this beautiful celebration.

“In a rapidly evolving society, moments and celebrations like these remind us of how far we've come as a community and the outpouring of support shows us that we will achieve the inclusivity & equitability we desire together as well!”

We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebrations, held over the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2022. This year showed that we are stronger together and we will be looking to once again have a ‘UNIfied’ team to demonstrate our shared commitment to an inclusive campus environment and to celebrate our diversity.