There was also lots of partying going on with all the bars having outside stages hosting fantastic and interesting acts.
GMB union Equalities officer, Lisa Ryan, along with the LGBT+ SHOUT group took part in Pride 2021
Salford Pink Picnic Saturday 7th August
This was the first time we had attended Salford Pride or ‘Pink Picnic’ and it had much more of a community feel rather than the large corporate money-spinners that some of the bigger Pride events have become.
There were local musicians and tribute acts to entertain the crowds and a Pride Pup dog show, as well as the usual stalls selling goods and giving information.
There was a fair amount of interest at the GMB stall, the crowds came out every time the rain stopped, we were supported on the stall by Just A Ball Game, Castro the cat is always very popular.
Wigan Pride Saturday 14th August 2021
The two Wigan Branches were one of the main sponsors at Wigan Pride this year we had had a stall giving away goodies and LGBT+ workplace information and advice.
It was decided to not have a parade this year but it will be back next year.
There was also a main stage in the Town Centre with local tribute acts Cher and Kylie among them as well as speeches.
This was a truly inclusive day with lots of families and young party goers.
The weather let the day down late afternoon with rain but there was lots of Singing in the rain.
Pride in Leigh Saturday 21st August 2021
This was Leighs’s first ever Pride and was held in Leigh Spinners Mill in the old covered goods yard.
There were around 300 people there and again like Wigan Pride, it was a family event. We were entertained by a comedian and 2 local bands as well as speeches not forgetting the BBQ & Bar, we had a fantastic day chatting and meeting members, it rained but that didn’t stop the singing and dancing.
Manchester Pride Friday 27th to Monday 30th August 2021
This was the 19th Year the GMB Union has attended Manchester Pride and had a stall in the expo, for the first time we were move to the outside car park which worked well.
We were joined on the stall by Lindsey England and Castro from Just A Ball Game, we are one of their main sponsors.
Manchester Pride has had its share of dramas over the years this year more than ever with the funding stopped to major LGBT+ charities and the cancelling of the parade which was replaced by Equality Marches.
The GMB trade union with the help of Just a Ball Game mascot Castro lead a ‘Take Back Pride’ demonstration March through the Streets of Manchester and the Gay Village, this was only organized 2 weeks ago and attracted over a thousand protesters.
This year we had more visitors than ever to our stall asking for information and advice on workplace matters.
The GMB Union was the only union at Manchester Pride and that’s the determination of the Northwest and Irish Shout Group (LGBT+ Group) and the Regional Equality Officer Lisa Ryan.
There was also lots of partying going on with all the bars having outside stages hosting fantastic and interesting acts.
Looking forward to Manchester Pride 2022, which will see us celebrating our 20thyear at Manchester Pride.
GMB Shout is looking to be more involved in taking back Manchester Pride to what it should be a Protest but with a bit of fun as wall.
If you want to get involved in the LGBT+ Shout group please contact you Branch or the Regional Equality Officer Lisa Ryan at Lisa.ryan@gmb.org.uk
