Unite takes centre stage at Pride

Reading Pride, one of the largest free prides and most dynamic and inclusive Pride events, is back on Saturday August 31st! 

This annual celebration of LGBT+ rights, community, and culture is more than just a parade; it’s a powerful movement that brings together thousands of people to champion equality and inclusion. 

Rich history of advocacy

This year the organisers are proud to be celebrating its 21^st birthday! Since its inception in 2003, Reading Pride has grown into a key event in the pride calendar, dedicated to promoting LGBT+ visibility, challenging discrimination, and celebrating the progress made towards equality. The event has become a cornerstone of the community, drawing in crowds from across Reading and beyond to participate in a vibrant celebration of love and acceptance.

For the past several years, Unite the Union has been proud to sponsor the event and this year is the sponsor of the main stage and the headline act, reinforcing the union’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equality, and workers’ rights.  In previous years we have dedicated our sponsorship in memory of comrades who have passed away – including Jan Bastable, Chris Turnham, Sue Hopkinson and Rhianna Humble.

The involvement of Unite the Union is a significant partnership that highlights the intersection of workers’ rights and LGBT+ advocacy. As one of the largest trade unions in the UK, Unite has a long history of standing up for workers’ rights and promoting equality in the workplace.

The Unite main stage

The main stage at Reading Pride is the beating heart of the festival, where thousands of attendees gather to enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment. From live music and drag performances to speeches by activists and community leaders, the main stage offers something for everyone. With Unite the Union as this year’s sponsor, the stage is set for an even more impactful lineup of performers and speakers who will inspire, entertain, and engage the audience.

Day of celebration and reflection

Reading Pride is not just a festival; it’s a powerful statement of unity and resilience. The day begins with a march through the streets of Reading, where participants from all walks of life come together to celebrate diversity and advocate for equality. The march culminates at Kings Meadow, the festival site.

The partnership with Unite the Union brings a deeper dimension, highlighting the importance of collective action in the fight for equality. As a union that represents workers across a range of industries, Unite’s presence at Reading Pride underscores the critical role that unions play in advocating for LGBT+ rights in the workplace and beyond.

Unite “a champion of equality”

John Melrose, of the South East LGBT+ Committee, said, “Unite the Union has long been a champion of equality, not only for its members but for society as a whole. Our sponsorship of Reading Pride is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with respect and dignity.

“By supporting Reading Pride, we are helping to amplify the voices of the LGBT+ community, shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most, and ensuring that the fight for equality continues to gain momentum. Our involvement is a powerful reminder that the struggle for workers’ rights and LGBT+ rights are deeply interconnected, and that progress in one area supports progress in the other.

“We are also pleased to announce that this year we will be joined for the march and on the stall by members of the original Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) who’s story was immortalised in the film Pride.”

South East LGBT+ Committee Vice Chair, Naomi Gravett, invited people to join Unite at Reading Pride.

Naomi said, “As we prepare for Reading Pride 2024, we invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, standing up for equality, and enjoying a fantastic day of entertainment and activism.”

“Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’re a seasoned Pride-goer, Reading Pride is an event not to be missed. Come and experience the energy, the joy, and the solidarity that makes Reading Pride such a special occasion.”

For more information on the event go to the Reading Pride website.