Pride 2019
This year marks 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York, and what many call the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement. While we’ve seen lots of progress, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that all LGBT+ people the world over can live safely and be out and proud.
More than ever before, property and construction companies have ‘rainbow washed’ their logo, flown rainbow flags or held Pride events to show support for their LGBT+ colleagues, clients and friends. This was unheard of as little as 5 years ago and demonstrates that our industry is ‘coming out’ as a key driver for change.
Freehold, the support and networking group for LGBT+ Real Estate Professionals once again marched in London Pride under the banner of ‘Changing the face of Property’ sponsored by RICS. Our day began with a brunch generously hosted by Savills. We had pride of place this year 8th from the front, sandwiched between Tesco and PWC, I suspect Shaftesbury being a key event sponsor had much to do with this, so a huge thank you to them also.
1.5 million people took to the streets for the parade travelling down Oxford Street, Regent Street before arriving at Whitehall via Trafalgar Square and then partying long into the night.
I watched this year along with my niece and her family, showing support for their ‘Guncle’ as they affectionately call me (Gay Uncle) or so I thought? It turns out my great niece is questioning her own sexuality and they wanted to show her, as Pride shows everyone, it’s a fundamental human right to be yourself and to celebrate diversity of all types.
Pride is now such a huge event Worldwide (with the odd unfortunate exception) and you can get cynical about Corporate sponsorship or debate whether it should be a parade or a march but really does that matter if it helps one little girl feel comfortable in her own skin?
Thank you to everyone in our industry supporting Freehold and all the other Diversity Groups. It genuinely is changing people’s lives for the better, enabling us to bring our whole self to work and ensuring we attract the best talent.
HAPPY PRIDE!
