Here at Manchester Thunder, we love different. We celebrate our differences. Netball would be a very boring game if we were all the same, so why should life play by altered rules. Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots, and we are celebrating Pride month and all of our LGBTQ+ members.
Manchester is known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, centred around the world famous Canal Street – home of “The Village”. A beacon of celebration in the city, the Gay Village is central to many Mancunian’s nights out as well as one of the biggest Pride events in the UK, Manchester Pride, which attracts a huge number of visitors to the city each year.
The village-like community gives a great sense of both team and unity, something which Thunder players strive towards daily.
Some would ask if we are so accepting, why is Pride still celebrated?
Unfortunately, many countries throughout the world continue to criminalise and oppress LGBTQ+ people; including 43 countries which punish homosexual acts with imprisonment and 11 countries that use the death penalty against LGBT+ people. Looking closer to home, violent crimes against LGBTQ+ people are on the increase, many hate crimes and hate incidents go unreported.* Stonewall estimate over 80% of hate crimes and hate incidents against LGBTQ+ people go unreported. There is a lack of understanding and awareness of domestic violence and abuse in same-sex relationships, often remaining invisible. We need Pride Month now more than ever; both to support our communities, as well as to educate and inform wider society about the harm and damage homophobia, biphobia and transphobia has on all of us.
To find out more about all the amazing work that goes on in Manchester for the LGBTQ+ community visit: https://www.manchesterpride.com/
*Information from Diversity Trust.