PRISM celebrates first anniversary with pride! | News

Every year in June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride month to raise awareness of issues affecting the community. This year is particularly special as it marks the first anniversary of the launch of PRISM, Royal Surrey’s LGBTQ+ network. It is also the 50^th anniversary of the first official UK Pride march, held in London on 1 July 1972.

The Pride movement, and events such as London in Pride march, were inspired by the Stonewall riots in the United States. On 28 June 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York, sparked a series of protests that inspired change in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people.

A number of gay rights activist groups were set up following the protests to fight discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals.

Pride month is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work and history of LGBTQ+ people, and raising awareness of issues affecting the community.

Mark Breeden, Chair of PRISM, Royal Surrey’s LGBTQ+ Network, said: “Pride month is an important event in the Trust’s calendar. It gives us an opportunity to reinforce the Trust’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive culture at work where all individuals can feel confident to be themselves.

“As a network, we are here to provide an open forum for LGBTQ+ colleagues to share their experiences in the workplace. As well as being a listening ear for your concerns, we are keen to seek your views to help make the Trust more inclusive for all staff, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.”