Aberdeenshire Branch members were amongst UNISON members from the North East and further afield who came together in Aberdeen on Saturday 26th May to take part in Grampian Pride.
This was the first Grampian Pride march down Union Street in Aberdeen and it saw thousands of people proudly raising their rainbow flags and enjoying the sunshine.
It was an inspiring event organised by the LGBT+ community, joined by their friends and allies from all walks of life.
Local UNISON branches had organised a float which joined the colourful procession down Union Street, and celebrated UNISON’s commitment to diversity and equality. UNISON Scotland has an active LGBT+ group and many had come to Aberdeen to celebrate Pride in the North East.
Local organiser, Susan Kennedy said, “Grampian Pride brought together UNISON activists and staff from Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Grampian Health, Universities, Colleges, young members and Scotland’s LGBT community.
“Everyone worked together, directed by Karen Davidson, UNISON local organiser, to make this one of the most successful activists’ events in the North East.
“After many hours of hard work, the team climbed aboard the UNISON float and were welcomed by glorious weather and hundreds of people lining Union Street, with hundreds more marching alongside and behind the floats in support.
“It was an amazing day. Well worth all the hard work to get the float on the road.”
UNISON branches also had stalls at the Pride Village in Queens Links, where members and potential members could come and visit the stall and find out more about our equalities work.
Susan added, “At the Pride Village we all worked tirelessly either staffing the stalls or volunteer stewarding on the site.
“The whole event was a great success. Equality at its best.
“It was a real privilege to support our LGBT friends and UNISON members. We feel that we have built strong relationships with activists which we can hopefully link in with to support future campaigns and Pride events.”
Branch treasurer Ann Gray, one of our Branch activists at the event said that a great day was had by all.
Ann added, “It was a day I will long remember and I am honoured to have been part of it.There were far more people than many expected and the atmosphere was wonderful – so much fun and laughter helped by the glorious weather.
“The stall was a great success with lots of positive conversations and recruitment going on. It was great to see all the North East branches working together.”
Ann recorded a huge vote of thanks to the organising committee and the volunteers who worked tirelessly both in the planning and on the day itself, and Aberdeenshire branch would add our thanks to that.
Branch education officer, Morag Lawrence was also at the UNISON stall alongside members from Aberdeen City, Grampian Health and other North East Branches.
Morag said, “I had a great day speaking to many fantastic people, including one person who had travelled down from Shetland for this event.”
A truly memorable day!
With thanks to Colin Jones, UNISON Universities Branch for the pictures.