Pride Month 2026 – Celebrating with our community
Written by the Trust's LGBTQIA+ Staff Network leads.
Why we celebrate Pride Month
Pride Month, observed every June, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York – a pivotal moment in the movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. When police raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gathering place for the queer community, patrons resisted. Among those leading the resistance were transgender activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, alongside many others from marginalised communities.
The protests lasted several days and became a catalyst for change. One year later, on 28 June 1970, the first Pride march took place in New York City to mark the anniversary. Known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, it celebrated LGBTQIA+ identity while calling for equality and justice.
Today, Pride Month is both a celebration and a call to action. It is a time to recognise the progress made, reflect on the challenges that remain, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities. Pride events – including parades, community gatherings and awareness campaigns – highlight the importance of visibility, inclusion and equality for all.
Join us this Pride Month
This June, members of our LGBTQIA+ staff network will be supporting Pride events across south west London. These events are an opportunity to connect with our local communities, share information about our services, and promote inclusive mental health support.
We are pleased to be hosting a Trust stall at the Furzedown & Tooting Pride day time community event on Saturday 20 June 2026. Our team will be there to provide information about our services, promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and offer a welcoming space for anyone who would like to stop by and speak with us.
Supporting our staff
Alongside our community engagement, we are also running an internal Pride Summer campaign for staff. This will include weekly updates celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices, sharing aspects of queer history, and promoting allyship and inclusive practice across our Trust.
Pride Month is a time to come together – to celebrate, to reflect and to continue building a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
