Pride month is celebrated every June to acknowledge and recognise the accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and our brave LGBTQIA+ advocates. It’s about the people in the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies who have fought and continue to fight for equality and recognised dignity.
Around the world, June is recognized as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) Pride Month to commemorate a tipping point in queer human rights history — the Stonewall Riots uprising. Notably led by trans women of colour activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Stonewall began on 28 June 1969, lasting for 6 days sparked by the years of targeted police harassment at the Stonewall Inn located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York.
The first Pride was not a celebration. It was a riot led by queer people of colour. Pride was born out of a struggle. We see you; we celebrate you.
Pride Canterbury takes place on the 8 June 2024, kick starting with the Pride March through Canterbury, culminating in the Pride celebrations in the Dane John Gardens. We have a limited number of wristbands available for members of our LGBTQ+ Staff and Student Networks (and a limited number for their Allies) to take part in the Parade. We also run a marketplace stand at the Pride Celebrations in Dane John Gardens so do come and find us for some freebies and to find out more about our work supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA community.
Email R.S.Lamyman@kent.ac.uk if you are interested in reserving a wristband for the Pride March.
Medway Pride takes place on the 17 August 2024 in Rochester, with a week of celebrations and activities leading up to it. Like Pride Canterbury, Medway Pride features the Pride Parade, followed by the Pride Celebrations.
If you would like to join the Medway Pride Parade please email R.S.Lamyman@kent.ac.uk
We take Pride in Kent sponsoring Canterbury & Medway Pride, celebrating & giving back to our communities.
University of Kent Pride Planning Group
Pride is not just about the weekend celebrations in Canterbury and Medway. At Kent we aim to promote and celebrate Pride throughout the entire month of June. There are a number of events and activities taking place organised by both the University and Kent Union; check out the event planner for more information
Pride is a celebration, but can highlight injustice and increased awareness can be challenging. Pride may reinforce awareness of inequality or surface painful memories
You're not alone. It's not your responsibility to fix the world. The people around you all carry responsibility to change behaviour
If you are impacted by homo and/or transphobia, use the tool ‘Report and Support’ to gain support.
SSW have a free confidential counselling service including specialist support for LGBTQIA students.
Staff members have access to support via their line managers or the Harassment Contact Network.
