The pride movement is at its heart one that began with riots and protests.
Since then and for over 50 years LGBTQ people have marched together to protest the need for equal rights and freedoms. It’s a struggle that owes a great deal to the black and brown people who stood in front and alongside us throughout.
Whether on the front line protesting or sharing messages of support, LGBTQ people stand on the shoulders of giants such as Marsha P Johnson, a black, trans woman and a key figure in the pushback against police brutality at the Stonewall riots.
At Outvertising our supportive and loud community is made up of a diverse mix of people who represent different ages, genders, sexualities, disabilities and ethnicities. While we cannot all fully understand what the BAME community is feeling and experiencing we can show support.
That is why we stand in solidarity with those around the world defending their personal rights and safety today.
It should go without saying, #BlackLivesMatter
Our Diversity and Inclusion Director, Chris Kenna, says,
“All Lives Matter when Black Lives Matter - that statement over the last few days has really resonated. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the BLM parade yesterday - posting a video to my social media and returning to find comment after comment even with words like Ni&&er$ written like this - has really opened my eyes, ears and heart to the continued struggle, especially across intersectionality. Being Black and Gay has its hardship in the UK, cultural acceptance alongside microaggressions because of race, just add to what LGBTQ+ POC go through daily.
As Diversity and Inclusion Director at Outvertising and as a Black, Gay man - we stand with you our Brothers, Sisters and Non-Binary friends in the US and across the world. You marched with us, now we march with you.”