The University of Greenwich joined Charlton Athletic FC and associated
groups in celebrating diversity in all of its forms at the Pride in London
Parade 2018 on Saturday (7 July).
As Charlton Athletic's official Higher Education Partner, university representatives were invited to join them in hosting one of the first floats from a professional football club.
The float, with over 60 people from the Charlton family, the University and the Students' Union, took its place in the 30,000 strong parade through Central London on the weekend.
Students and staff joined representatives from Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), CACT Invicta FC, the LGBTQI+ friendly football team, and Proud Valiants, the official supporters' group for LGBTQI+ Charlton fans.
Young people from Woolwich Common Youth Hub also attended.
In total, the parade consisted of close to 500 groups, from massive corporations to charities and community associations.
Marianne Boyle, from the University of Greenwich said:
"We are, and always will be, a proud supporter of the LGBTQI+ movement and it's great to be able to publicly demonstrate our commitment to the cause alongside Charlton Athletic, our partner and local football club.
"Whilst there has been progress in LGBTQI+ rights, there is still a long way to go, and events like the Pride parade not only celebrate inclusivity and diversity, but also the steps we continue to take towards a more accepting world."
Dr Michael Seeraj, CACT's Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, said:
"It was fantastic to see so many people in our Pride in London group during the parade on Saturday!
"There was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day, and the overwhelmingly positive response from crowds underlines just how much desire there is for football to break down barriers for LGBTQI+ people."
Picture: @tomdingleyphoto
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