Reflecting on Rainbows
While we might not be able to celebrate Liverpool Pride as we usually would this weekend, we’ve been reflecting on the amazing times our residents and staff have been a part of the event over the years.
Since 2009 we have supported Liverpool Pride as part of the multi-agency ‘Homes for Everyone’ group, with tenants, staff, friends and families taking part in the annual march through Liverpool City Centre.
In 2017, we lit up our Merseyside office Commutation Plaza in rainbow colours as part of the highly popular ‘Come Out of the Shadows.’
This is a campaign that literally shines a light on diversity, challenges hate crime, embraces inclusiveness, aims to make our cities safer and encourages buildings to illuminate the rainbow flag in support.
It would fill us with joy that Commutation Plaza, glowing with all its colourful lights, would sit facing St George’s Hall where Pride marches usually start from.
This year’s Liverpool Pride was due to return this Saturday 25th July but has understandably been cancelled.
While it’s sad that we can’t come together with tenants, staff and everyone across the city to march once again, we’re pleased that the event has been replaced with the region’s first virtual march – ‘MarchONline’!
One of our Regenda Homes tenants, Imogen, has shared her thoughts about our involvement with Pride:
“It is heart-warming to hear that Regenda is showing their continual commitment to support our LQBTQIA+ community. It is at this particular moment more crucial than ever. I can speak from first-hand experience that Regenda have brilliantly supported Pride, Come Out of the Shadows and Transgender Day of Visibility. These examples have had direct impact in working towards inclusion and representation of LGBTQIA+ people.
“As hate crime has seen a sharp rise, we need to feel safe, secure and supported in our homes. Regenda has been at the forefront in making this possible. Thank you to everyone at Regenda, I look forward to continuing to work in partnership to increase education and raise awareness of how we can all work to be more inclusive of anyone who has or is experiencing discrimination and exclusion through social difference.”
Many staff across the Group are also disappointed to not be participating this year. Peter Bond, Neighbourhood Team Leader at Regenda Homes, said:
“Pride is always a fabulous occasion but it’s much more than just a good day out! It’s our opportunity to promote equality and diversity and stand against hate in whatever form it takes. I am really proud of the involvement that Regenda and all of our colleagues have had in the event over the years. A particular highlight for me was seeing Commutation Plaza illuminated in rainbow lights.”
So as we reflect upon rather than chase the rainbow this year, be very proud of who you are.
We can’t wait to hopefully be back celebrating Pride as usual in the future!
