University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship

Trans Pride Brighton is the largest trans-specific Pride event in Europe and takes place this year on Saturday 19 July. The university's support for the event is a way of underscoring its dedication to equality, diversity, and the celebration of gender diversity.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: "My colleagues and I are delighted that the university is sponsoring Trans Pride Brighton this year. We know that the day is so much more than just a celebration. It's a raising of voices for trans rights and a call to protect and respect the community.

“At the University of Brighton we understand the importance of community and we’re incredibly proud of the connections that we have in our city and the role we can play in making it an inclusive and diverse space for people to work and study. So, on the nineteenth of July, we’ll be wishing all our staff, students, partners, collaborators and neighbours a beautiful, joyous and powerful Trans Pride." 

The university has a long-standing commitment to promoting equality and diversity. It joined the Athena Swan Charter in 2012, achieving its first institutional bronze award in 2013 and reaccreditation in 2016. In 2021, the university was awarded a silver institutional Athena Swan award, demonstrating significant progress in embedding gender equality across the institution.

Furthermore, the university is also a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion, a programme that supports and promotes fair practice in relation to the employment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender staff, reaffirming its commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students.

The University of Brighton actively champions a safe and respectful environment for everyone through its #NeverOK campaign, which encourages the reporting of any form of harassment, discrimination, violence, or abuse.

Established in 2013, Trans Pride Brighton & Hove is a grassroots, community-led organisation run entirely by volunteers. It is Europe's first and largest trans-specific Pride event, attracting over 40,000 attendees in recent years. Its core mission is to inspire and empower trans, non-binary, intersex, gender-variant, and queer people by celebrating trans lives and gender diversity, promoting equality, advancing education, and eliminating discrimination. The event features a vibrant parade, community festival, performances from trans artists, musicians, and speakers, and a range of activities designed to uplift and showcase the trans community.