Introducing Select’s Pride Month (17th June to 17th July)
We are thrilled to announce Select’s Pride Month, which will commence from the 17th of June to the 17th of July. This month aims to honour the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and show our support for both clients and staff within this community.
Inspired by the various awareness events occurring during this period, such as Pride Month, World Wellbeing Week and Disability Pride Month, we have combined them into a single, inclusive celebration. We hope this initiative will become an annual tradition.
Celebrating Pride Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (LGBTQ+ Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall riots. These riots marked the beginning of a movement to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals, who had long faced police harassment and societal persecution. Today, Pride Month celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts, attracting millions of participants worldwide. Memorials are also held to remember those lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of Pride Month is to recognise the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Learn more about how the first Pride Month started: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52872693
Disability Pride Month
A few decades later, Disability Pride Month was established. It takes place in July and has its origins in the US. In 1990, America passed the Disabilities Act (ADA) to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Before this landmark legislation, individuals with disabilities often faced unequal treatment and limited opportunities. Disability Pride Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities and raises awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

Learn more about the history behind this awareness day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/66256333
Learning Disability Pride Week
This awareness event is slightly newer compared to the other events. Learning Disability Pride is a week-long celebration across Britain from 17th to 23rd June. This initiative is led by Gary Bourlet, a prominent leader in the People First movement and the founder of Learning Disability England. The week encourages people with learning disabilities, their friends, families, and supporters to participate in marches, walks, parties, and events nationwide.
Learn more about the awareness week: https://www.mencap.org.uk/learningdisabilityweek

Select’s Pride Month Activities
Our celebration will kick off at the start of Learning Disability Pride Week. Throughout Select’s Pride Month, we will host a variety of online and offline activities to raise awareness and celebrate. These activities may include:
- Sharing a calendar of events happening in our local authority areas.
- Providing facts and figures related to the LGBTQ+ and disability communities.
- Organising office lunches to foster inclusivity and solidarity.
- Holding competitions for our services, such as a Service Decoration Competition.
These are just a few of the exciting plans we have in store. We would love and appreciate any input you may have on how we can make this campaign as amazing as possible.
If you have any ideas forward them to social@selectlifestyles.co.uk
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating Select’s Pride Month!