London Pride 2017

Last Saturday saw a 20 strong group of Compass colleagues taking part in London Pride 2017. As a diverse crowd from across the business, there were a flurry of introductions as people met their fellow LGBT & Allies Network members to start the day, proving the uniting force which symbolises the very meaning of Pride.

Once we had all congregated, had enough time for a chit chat and changed into the blue Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) t-shirts, we headed off en masse for the start point around Oxford Circus. Due to the fact we were marching with Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity we have now raised over £10,000 for in the year since launching our LGBT & Allies Network, we were lucky enough to be positioned as the second group of people in the march!

From the starting point, the parade followed down Regent Street towards Piccadilly Circus and then to Trafalgar Square. All around the sectioned off road were swarms of people dancing and cheering.  The drumline band who walked within the THT crowd ensured everyone was dancing throughout and it helped to create an electric and care free atmosphere.

We used this opportunity to celebrate Terrence Higgins Trust, the charity partner to the LGBT & Allies Network. A fantastic charity at the forefront of the fight against HIV and improving the nation’s sexual health, their mission is multifaceted; an end to the transmission is their overall mission however they also seek to empower and support those living with HIV, amplifying their voices across the public and political sphere. We look forward to working even more closely with the charity in the future and would also like to thank them for providing us the opportunity to march with and for them at Pride.

Terrence Higgins Trust’s had an important message to share on the day, and for the rest of the summer: medical evidence has shown that people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on. If everyone knew this, we could bring an end to stigma around HIV. Not only that, but we could stop HIV transmissions all together. THT brought their Can’t Pass It On campaign to Pride in London to spread this message far and wide.

The day finished as we triumphantly crossed the finish line and then made a quick dash to the nearest pub for a well-deserved cold beverage. It was a great day and something we’re really proud to have supported.

So what’s coming up next for the LGBT & Allies Network? The best way for Compass colleagues to find out about future events and all the work done around the LGBT community at Compass is to join the Network, whether as part of the LGBT community or as an ally. We have loads of initiatives and fundraising ideas in the pipeline for later this year, including National Coming Out Day and World AIDS DAY, so keep your eyes peeled.

We’re a people powered business and we’re committed to supporting our diverse workforce to feel comfortable and be themselves at work. 

To join our LGBT & Allies network – email diversity@compass-group.co.uk and register your interest, or find the group on Workplace.