Pride In London 2024: A Celebration of Unity and Inclusivity
Pride in London 2024 saw a remarkable display of unity and support as the Army Cadets from London and across the south participated in this highly anticipated event. This year marks the third consecutive year that the Army Cadets have joined others to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, highlighting their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment through allyship for each other.
The parade saw around 500 groups from LGBT+ Community Groups, LGBT+ businesses, and partners form together to make a total of over 32,000 participants. As usual, the Mayor of London lead the parade!
A Demonstration of Commitment
Organised by the Army Cadets LGBT+ Forum, the contingent included Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), and representative cadets from South West London Sector and neighbouring counties of Wiltshire, Surrey a Essex ACF.
They were fortunate enough to see transgender rights activist Hannah Graf MBE along the route, and she was gracious and glad to offer her support and kindness to members of our transgender community and all Army Cadets. Captain Hannah Graf was an officer of the British Army who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 2013, Hannah came out as a transgender woman and became one of the highest-ranking transgender soldiers in the British Army. As part of the Army LGBT Forum, she became the Army’s Transgender Representative, where she was responsible for advising Senior Army commanders on transgender policy, educating the wider Defence, and, most importantly, mentoring and supporting the Army’s many transgender soldiers.
Together, they formed part of the Youth Section, closely formed up behind the Armed Forces contingents, marching proudly through the streets of London, with notable moments as they passed Buckingham Palace and the historic Whitehall Cenotaph.
Voices of Pride
Lieutenant Colonel Rachel Diss, National Lead D&I Advisor, spoke passionately about the importance of their participation: “It is really important for Army Cadets to feel that they are accepted and welcomed to be who they are and given the space to grow and feel like they can be themselves among their friends within the Army Cadets. The most important thing for Army Cadets is to get on with the training but to do that, they must be given the best opportunities to think well and function to their best, and that comes with being their authentic selves, being honest with who they are and the people around them without fear of being judged or discriminated against. To be here at Pride in London today has allowed young people to show themselves at their best and be supported by a crowd of people who are allowing them and supporting them to be themselves. Thank you to all the CFAVs and cadets who have helped organise the event and paraded as representatives of the Army Cadet organisation. A special thanks to Captain Kim Humberstone from Wilshire ACF for arranging the participation.”
Cadet Corporal Baiden from 13 Company, SW London, one of the participants, shared: “I came to support Equity, Belonging and Inclusion in the Army Cadet Force through Pride.”
Celebrating Diversity
Pride in London is one of the country’s most significant celebrations of the LGBT+ community, attracting thousands of participants and spectators each year. The event is a vibrant and powerful platform for promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity. The cadets’ participation enriches the parade and symbolises the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and accepting society.
The Army Cadets’ involvement in Pride in London 2024 stands as a beacon of progress. It showcases their unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and unity. As these young cadets march with pride, they pave the way for a future where diversity is celebrated and everyone is embraced for who they are.
Pride in London 2024 was more than just a parade; it was a powerful demonstration of unity and a heartfelt celebration of the values that bind us all together.