The Manchester Pride Parade is the city’s biggest, with tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies gathering to march through the city for equality and thousands more lining the streets to take in the spectacular sea of colours.
This year’s theme was March for Peace with an emphasis on the importance of peace in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice at its heart. In addition to those taking part in the parade itself thousands of people lined the streets to show their love and to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
In preparation for taking part Cygnet’s LGBTQ+ Network commissioned a float especially for the occasion which was decorated with banners promoting the network. Joining staff were several members of Cygnet’s senior management team including Jenny Gibson (HR Director), Dr Jon Van Niekerk (Group Clinical Director) and David Wilmott (Director of Nursing).
The whole Cygnet team had a wonderful day. Cygnet Hospital Bury’s Aaron Bergin, co-chair of Cygnet’s LGBTQ+ Network, said “The LGBTQ+ community is known for welcoming everyone, we believe that unity is the only way, this love was given back tenfold from the massive turnout and many of us were really taken back at how much support was out there and commented on how affirming this was.
“Next year we hope to come together again for Pride 2023 and hope that you will all join us to make it bigger and bolder. We ask that if you are part of the community or an Ally that wants to make a real difference, then please get in touch with us and join the network!
“We do need Pride, we do need community and we all need to shine bright, be bold and continue to march for Peace!!”