Last weekend, members of Arden University’s LGBTQ+ Network joined the Birmingham Pride Parade as part of UNIfied@Pride, a collective of West Midlands-based universities coming together to celebrate inclusion, visibility, and unity.
Over 200 students and staff from across the region took part, proudly representing their institutions. Arden was delighted to stand alongside them, with our Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Kate Lister, leading the way as balloon banner holder for the SPARKLE Network.
Kate Lister, Director of EDI, told us: “Being part of Pride across the UK is more important now than ever. It's about celebrating our diverse LGBTQ+ community, but more than that, it’s about visibility, solidarity, and creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and free to be their authentic selves. Diversity is integral to Arden University, and Pride is a powerful reminder that inclusion must be active, ongoing, and proudly visible.“
Fernando Rosell-Aguilar, Founder and Co-Chair of Arden’s LGBTQ+ Network, said: “People may think that pride marches are just an excuse for a fun day out, but marching at a Pride event is more than a celebration, it's a powerful act of visibility and resistance. To see so many diverse Arden colleagues join another seven universities was a joy and a clear message that we are a community and support one another, however we identify.”
The parade was a vibrant and joyful celebration of identity and solidarity, and we’re proud to be part of a community that champions equality and supports LGBTQ+ voices.
With Pride Month just around the corner, we’re looking forward to more events and celebrations throughout June, and we’ll be marching again at Manchester Pride in August. Watch this space!
At Arden University, we’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background, identity, or life journey. We believe in celebrating diversity, standing up for equity, and ensuring every member of our student and staff community feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
You can find out more about how we support and inclusivity at Arden University here.
