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Pride in the profession

A look at the IBMS and members marching through the centre of London to celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities.

Last month, for the first time, the IBMS and members officially marched at Pride in London – the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ parade.The IBMS had signed up in 2020 but COVID-19 forced the parade into a two-year hiatus. On 2 July, members finally had the chance to don their lab coats and wave their rainbow flags on behalf of the profession.

The parade, which was celebrating its 50th year, was led by the Gay Liberation Front, which organised the first UK protest.

Tens of thousands of people marched and danced behind them through the capital to Trafalgar Square.

The event took over the centre of London, with floats blasting out music, and crowds lining the streets and cheering their support.

The IBMS was keen to support Pride and show the world that the biomedical science profession values equality, diversity and inclusivity.

The biomedical science chant of the day quickly became: “Two-four-six-eight, science does not discriminate! Four-three-two-one, science is for everyone!”

Members were in great spirits, handing out fuzzy bugs and stickers and enthusing the crowd.

At various points in the procession we had scores of people chanting: “I-B-M-S! I-B-M-S! I-B-M-S!”

IBMS member James Cameron, who was on the march, said: “For me, Pride was an incredible way of showing the public that science is for everyone. Men, women, non-binary, straight, gay and everyone in between. Hopefully we made a difference by showing that STEM subjects and careers are for everyone.”

“Two-four-six-eight, science does not discriminate! Four-three-two-one, science is for everyone!”

IBMS member Matthew Burdett added: “I was once told that I would never get into healthcare because I’m gay. There may be others who have gone through a similar experience and might have anxiety around their identity.

“Marching as a profession allows others to see that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you identify as – it shows that everyone will be welcomed and supported. It’s important that everyone feels included and that science really is for everyone.” 

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Image credit | IBMS

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