Supporting Pride this June and beyond
June is a significant month for communities across Wales as it marks Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating and advocating for the rights of LGBT+ individuals. Melin is proud to stand in solidarity with LGBT+ communities, and we are proud of our track record in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Written by Will
—10 Jun, 2024
This year, we have been especially pleased to sponsor and get involved with a number of Pride celebrations across our region of south-east Wales.
Torfaen Pride
Kicking off the month, we sponsored Torfaen Pride on 1st June. The event, held at Pontypool Park, was a vibrant celebration, bringing together people from across the Torfaen county borough to celebrate the LGBT+ community. Our sponsorship helped to make this free event possible and demonstrated that Pride is not just for communities in cities and big towns, but also for Valleys communities as well.
Pride in the 'Port
Following Torfaen Pride, we are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of Pride in the ‘Port, which is Newport’s own Pride celebration. Pride in the ‘Port is scheduled to take place a little while after June, on Saturday 7 September. It will feature a celebratory pride march, entertainment, music, food and activities for all ages.
Pride in the ‘Port promises to be another fantastic event where we can connect with residents, celebrate diversity, and continue advocating for an inclusive society where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Pride Cymru
Our commitment to Pride Month extends beyond sponsorship. We are excited about taking part in Pride Cymru (22nd and 23rd June 2024) alongside our partners at Tai Pawb, Wales' housing equality charity. This collaboration highlights the importance of working in partnership across the housing sector to nurture inclusive communities. By joining forces with Tai Pawb, we can amplify our message of equality and inclusion, ensuring that the housing sector remains a beacon of support for the LGBT+ community.
Making a difference
Reflecting on Pride Month, Bunmi Ajayi-Obanewa, Melin’s Equalities Officer said: “Pride Month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards LGBT+ rights and to recognise the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to celebrate the diversity of our people and to reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive communities.
I am very proud of the role we have played in making Pride celebrations possible within our region and working with local partners to ensure that we represent and serve every member of our community, regardless of their background or identity. Together, we can deliver impactful change.