University of London is celebrating Pride

Pride in London Parade 2023  

University is often the first place that young LGBTQ+ people find that they are able to be themselves and this is one of the reasons that we wanted to take part in the parade. We also want to show common purpose and commitment with other London universities where students experience similar life-enhancing experiences.  

This year, the University will be participating in Pride in London parade 2023 which takes place on Saturday 1 July to celebrate our commitment, to LGBT+ equality and inclusion for staff and students.  We will be joining thousands on the parade route, underneath our signature inflatable mortar board, and we’d love to see you on the route.  

It is sure to be an uplifting, life-affirming day, full of community spirit, music, and cheering, with the parade itself lasting around two hours.   

All staff and students from our member institutions are welcome! Spaces to take part in the parade are limited and will be allocated on first-come, first served basis. 

In the month of June we change our logo to celebrate Pride 

It is significant that for many young people, higher education is often the first place where they are able to be themselves and we are committed to promoting inclusion and equality among our students, staff and the wider University of London community. 

The University of London was founded upon the principles of equality and established to provide education open to all. 

For Pride Month June 2023, we dye our logo in rainbow colours, the symbolic flag of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) + community, to show our support and join the Pride festivities worldwide, as we do every year. 

What is LGBT+ Pride Month?   

Pride is all about promoting the equality, self-affirmation, and visibility of LGBTQ+ people by creating a community and safe space for people to be who they are. The word ‘Pride’ in this sense was first used by Brenda Howard, the organiser of the first Pride March in the wake of the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969. And, while the origins of the choice of that word may be lost to time, it’s a term that’s become meaningful to the community ever since. Pride is about encouraging people to speak up proudly.