As we celebrate Pride Month at The Brief Claims, we took the opportunity to ask our staff: ‘What does Pride mean to you?’. Here’s what they had to say…
“When I think of Pride, I’m reminded of Michael Causer. I first heard Michael’s story when the Michael Causer Foundation came into the office to deliver a CEL Talk. We learnt about a popular 18-year-old who was adored by his family, proud to be gay and had his whole life ahead of him. Tragically, his life was taken in a homophobic attack in 2009. A short time later, another young man, was attacked in the city’s gay quarter, resulting him being hospitalised due to the seriousness of his injuries. In the aftermath of these two heinous crimes, a vigil was held in the city and the Liverpool LGBT Network was set up by the city council. It was only during this talk that I learnt Pride was established in the aftermath of these events, one year later in 2010. I think this history serves as a poignant reminder of why it’s so important to come together to celebrate and support Pride.”
Laura – Director of Marketing, PR & Communications
“Although I am not part of the LGBTQ+ Community it means a lot to me as my sister and friends are, Pride makes me feel happy that they can fully express themselves as individuals which I believe is very important for all human beings to do freely without judgement”.
Jade – Personal Assistant
“I celebrate Pride this month for my daughter who is gender fluid. I celebrate her strength, authenticity, and uniqueness. I’m so proud of her!”
Chowie – Graphic Designer
“Pride to me means being confident in your own skin and celebrating each other.”
Lynsey – Events Coordinator
“Pride for me means freedom. It means that I am fortunate enough to be born in an era where I can be openly myself without any fear.”
Dora – Paralegal
“Pride to me means equality for all to fit into society. Some countries today make same sex partners illegal and in the past, it was illegal in most countries including England. Thankfully countries like England have progressed and can now have parties to show happiness, love, and unity. Unity and division are choices we all have, and our choices create different energy’s which ripple throughout society. I like the poem below as it guides people what affect their choices have on society.
Where there is Peace, there is no War,
Where there is Happiness, there is no Sadness,
Where there is Harmony, there is no Anger,
Where there is Love, there is no Hate,
Where there is Truth, there is no Ignorance,
This is the Law of Opposites
Pick a side, but choose wisely,
What you conform to creates your reality,
This is the Law of Conformity
Where there is Compassion, we see no Hunger,
Where there is Unity, we see only Joy,
Where there is Right Action, we see Success,
This is the Law of Cause and Effect,
Choose a path, but choose it wisely,
The path you follow creates your life,
Your path can heal, feed, and spread happiness and joy,
Your path can kill, harm, and spread sadness and misery,
But please, choose wisely, as your path affects mine.”
