This Pride month, Paul, our Executive Director for Strategy and Engagement, shares his story of growing up in a world where he didn't feel safe to express himself. Paul explains that for each person who feels they can’t be open or be part of their community, there is one more person who decides they won’t walk, wheel, or cycle in their neighbourhood.
We’re proud to be an inclusive charity. Our goal is that everyone, whoever they are, wherever they live, should be able to walk, wheel and cycle when they want. Credit: Chris Foster
The long road to acceptance
I grew up in a world that told me who I am is wrong.
In the 1980s and 1990s, being gay was something to hide and be ashamed of. Worse than that, I was being told that I was perverted.
They’re strong words; they had a big impact.
It took me a long time to accept who I was. Longer still to be open about that with my friends, my family and the wider world. But being able to be proud of who I am, transformed everything for me.
That’s why we celebrate Pride. Nobody should feel that who they are and who they love is wrong.
But many people still feel that. In fact, in recent years things have gone backwards for many LGBTQIA+ people.
More of us feel like we have to edit who we are to stay safe or avoid conflict. People are experiencing more hate and exclusion again, especially trans people, fuelled by polarised debates on social media and leaders who are stirring up hate to secure power.
Our role as an inclusive charity
That matters because it’s wrong. And it matters to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust because everyone who feels like they can’t be open and take part in their community, is one more person who will decide they won’t be able to take a walk, wheel or cycle ride in their neighbourhood.
One more person who will miss out the health and wellbeing benefits that getting around in an active way can have for them.
We’re proud to be an inclusive charity. Our goal is that everyone, whoever they are, wherever they live, should be able to walk, wheel and cycle when they want.
So, when I celebrate Pride this year in my neck of the woods - Brighton - I’ll be out with my friends standing up for the right for everyone to be who they are without fear or shame.
And I’ll cheering on everyone else who takes part in Pride this month and through the summer across the UK - LGBTQIA+ people, their friends and families - who are doing the same.
Pride matters now more than ever.
Our commitment to underrepresented groups
As part of our strategy, we'd like to see one million people engaged in loving the Network locally by 2030.
This means including the perspectives and aspirations of communities of interest, especially underrepresented groups, and finding creative ways to collaborate with them.
When it comes to safety, we're focusing on improving safety and opening up the Network for currently underrepresented groups.
With a particular focus on women and girls, the LGBTQIA+ community, people from ethnic communities and others with protected characteristics.
We're honoured to have a Progress Pride Colleague Network which provides support and a safe space for colleagues to regularly meet and to action ideas to improve the experience of LGBTQIA+ people within and outside of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
