Proud to support Pride
30 Jul 2012
Manchester Pride 2012 has special significance for the University: this year's festival honours our own Alan Turing and the University will have a walking entry in the Pride Parade - apply by 6 August if you'd like to take part.
Manchester Pride, now in its 22nd year, is one of the city’s biggest annual events and encourages us all to celebrate the lives and history of the area's vibrant LGBT community. Pride 2012 has adopted 'Queer'd Science' as its overall theme, in honour of Alan Turing, the pioneering mathematician who made many important advances - and spent a significant portion of his career at The University of Manchester.
The University will be involved in many activities throughout Manchester Pride (17-27 August). A number of Turing themed events – exhibitions, tours and talks - will take place as part of Pride Fringe (17-23 August), which offers a colourful programme of arts, music, heritage, culture and debate, with free entry to many of the events.
On Saturday 25 August, for the first time in many years, the University will have a walking entry in the Manchester Pride Parade, which many consider to be the highlight of the festival! Representatives of companies, institutions and community groups will weave their way through the streets of Manchester in a colourful and eye-catching display that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual life.
We’re looking for volunteers from the University - LGBT and non-LGBT - who can commit to joining in the parade to show how LGBT-friendly the University is and to celebrate the achievements of Alan Turing. You might not be LGBT yourself, but by showing camaraderie and support to LGBT staff and students, you can help to improve the experience of everyone who visits, works at or studies at the University.
If you’re interested in joining in – either with preparations for the entry or on the day itself - please email:
The cut-off date for guaranteed entry in the parade is Monday 6 August.
Karen Heaton, Director of HR and LGBT Champion, said: “This is a great opportunity for staff to be involved in an important event for the University and the city of Manchester. Being a part of our walking entry demonstrates inclusivity and support for LGBT colleagues, students and future recruits. If you can’t join the parade, your help with preparations for the day would be much appreciated.”