A rainbow-coloured JCB digger was a highlight of Leeds Pride
Building Equality – an alliance of construction companies working to build LGBT+ inclusion – completed its annual marches again this year with events in Manchester, Salford, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and Newcastle.
Building Equality members from more than 25 construction, engineering and built environment organisations were at Exchange Square, Manchester, during August Bank Holiday, showcasing the accessibility of the industry to LGBT+ individuals and other minority groups.
It was the north west’s largest show of equality, diversity and inclusion the industry has ever seen.
And in the organisation’s second Leeds Pride event more than 200 people from across the construction and property industry – double the number from the previous year – joined a parade that was witnessed by a crowd of around 55,000 spectators lining the route through the city.
The entry was supported by 17 organisations – including the CIOB – representing a broad cross-section of the construction and property sectors. Marchers were accompanied by a rainbow-coloured JCB digger, which was a highlight of the parade.
Building Equality’s presence at Leeds Pride marks another significant step in a rapidly growing movement to advocate LGBT+ inclusion across the industry. The organisation recently celebrated its fifth successful year marching at London Pride as well as making its debut in Newcastle last year and in Manchester two years ago.
Following Manchester Pride in 2018 Building Equality decided to become a catalyst for change on issues that LGBT+ individuals still face within the sector.
To both educate and encourage positive conversations around sexuality and gender identity, the alliance has already rolled out bespoke free resources, including the LGBT+ inclusion toolbox talk and poster campaign, which have been designed to facilitate inclusion on both construction sites and in offices.
Several organisations are supporting Building Equality for the first time and are beginning to establish their own LGBT+ networks. Over the coming months, those with established networks will support these initiatives to further grow.
Building Equality will organise further events in Leeds over the coming year.
To get involved or for further information, please contact [email protected].
