Walking with Pride: Pride Cymru Parade
15 June 2023
On Saturday 17th June people from across NHS Wales will walk in a parade through Cardiff City Centre to celebrate Pride month. We asked DHCW staff members why they were taking part, and this is what they had to say.
"Pride for me is a celebration of who I am as an individual. It’s about being able to appreciate ourselves and those around us, being visible and proud of what I’ve achieved, and what we continue to achieve across our LGBTQIA+ community. This year is a special one for me, as it’s my first-time walking in the parade not just for DHCW and NHS Wales (last year I was on a beach drinking pina coladas!), but to share this celebration of love and all our queerness with my partner, who is attending his first ever Pride fills me with so much love, happiness and excitement. Oh, and we can’t wait for our date with Sophie Ellis-Bextor at the Castle on Saturday night!"
Nathan Stone, Technical Project Manager
"Last year was my first experience of Pride parade and wow, what a day! It did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it, there was a wonderful atmosphere with so many people coming together to celebrate #UniqueandUnited. Last year’s event was about celebrating our individual identities and showing solidarity and support for all parts of our LGBTQ+ community. I am already looking forward to the event this year and seeing colleagues and friends there."
Sarah Brooks, Organisational Development, Culture and Engagement Lead
"I am taking part in the Pride parade this year because I want to show support for everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, celebrate inclusivity and acceptance, and be part of something that shows everyone deserves to be respected for who they are and shouldn’t need to hide."
Alex Richards, Software Development Officer
"When I first started attending Pride parades in Cardiff and other cities across the UK such as Bristol and Manchester, I was there as a spectator to support the rest of the LGBTQ+ community.
However, in recent years as I have become more comfortable expressing my true self, I feel a responsibility to help others who might not be in the same position as me.
Walking through the streets of the city I live in and being proud of who I am, in the company of thousands of others who are too, will hopefully help someone else watching become more comfortable expressing their true self when they feel ready."
Liam Gilsenan, Senior Communications Officer