Co-operating at Leicester Pride - 2nd September 2023

A message from Barrie Fairbairn, LGBT+ Officer, Leicester South CLP

"The Pride Movement has blossomed over the last decade with even the more remote parts of the nation hosting their own annual Pride event.

Leicester Pride can trace its roots back to 2001. The Leicester Pride committee of 2001 asked me to become their legal advisor and to form a company limited by guarantee.  At the time I was serving as a Derby Area Board Director with the then newly formed Midlands Co-operative Society. The Pride committee readily agreed that Leicester Pride should have a clear political message and that I should explore the merits of  Midlands Co-operative Society to support the event.

In 2023 I  took on the the role of LGBT+ Officer for Leicester South CLP.   The new materials, which were funded by the Co-operative  Party comprised of 1000 leaflets , a portable roller blind and a mesh banner each bearing the strap line "Nobody does it better".

I developed a sense of déjà vu when I  approached Central Co-op with an invitation to co-operate at Leicester Pride by holding a stall in addition to supporting the march with they had taken part in for a number of years.  Daniel Beers who is a Central Co-op store manager and Lee Clarke who is a Team Leader both deserve a special mention as they led the Central Co-op presence for the event.

Both stalls were very well attended and we were able to engage with lots of people during the day.

I am grateful to Central Co-op & the Southern Co-operative Party for funding the new materials and give particular thanks to Brenda McCraith who convened the Executive Committee."

Barrie Fairbairn
LGBT+ Officer
Leicester South CLP