Progress Pride flag takes centre stage at winter graduations
The University of Bradford has underlined its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion with the creation of Progress Pride flags on campus.
The flags take pride of place in front of the Richmond building and have been installed as a visible symbol of 'allyship' and solidarity with people from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Their appearance also coincided with this year’s Winter Graduations.
Teslim Thomas, student LGBTQ+ Officer, said: "The Progress Pride flag is a mark that represents the few who have chosen to be different. Seeing the Progress Pride flag everyday reminds me of the people who fought to be seen and recognised. Though we strive for respect and equality, this step towards visibility taken by the University of Bradford is a beacon of hope to all of those for whom just being their authentic self is a battle.
“To every LGBTQ+ student, you are seen and heard and whatever stage you are in your sexual identity, please know you are loved. Even if some days are harder than others. You are perfect."
Marian Hilditch, Academic Registrar, said: “We are immensely proud of our LGBTQIA+ community at Bradford which I hope continues to grow and move from strength to strength. The pride flag on campus is only a symbol, but one which I hope makes clear the message we are sending: we see you, we are you, we support you."
Jack Lopez, Associate Dean for EDI, said: “The Progress Pride flag has evolved over the years to be inclusive of all the LGBTQIA+ family. Pride crossings and flags are a way to demonstrate to all staff, students and visitors that we are an inclusive University where all are welcome. As a queer person, when I see the Pride flag displayed, I feel reassured that I am welcome and safe.”
Professor Chris Gaffney, Executive Board LGBT+ champion, said: “Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the very heart of everything we do here at the University of Bradford. These values are part of who we are and illustrate the warm welcome that all our staff, students and visitors can expect. Displaying the flag makes an important statement about our identity and also about our intentions to visibly support groups and individuals affected who are affected by EDI issues."
The Progress Pride was designed in 2018 and is a modification of the Pride flag, the colours of which reflect the diversity of the LGBT+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The Progress Pride flag includes black and brown chevrons to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white representing trans gender people. In 2021 a purple circle superimposed over a yellow triangle was added to the chevron to include the intersex community.