Andy Street backs greater representation at Birmingham Pride

With record breaking ticket sales for the UK’s largest two-day LGBTQ+ festival, tens of thousands of individuals descended on Birmingham’s gay village yesterday for the first day of Birmingham Pride.  Opening this years annual event was none other than the regions first West Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street. 

To begin the celebrations, the streets of Birmingham were lined with individuals from all over the country standing proudly and unapologetically for simply being themselves. Heading the parade stood Andy Street; not only is he the region’s first Metro Mayor but he is also the UK’s first directly-elected gay Metro Mayor. Joining revellers in the streets, Andy was keen to share his message.

To Andy, what makes Birmingham Pride so wonderful is that it is a way of celebrating every community, be it age, sexuality or race, and letting them know that they are valued in making up the future of Birmingham.

When challenged by I Am Birmingham on what he is doing to uplift marginalised groups in the region, Andy spoke of the leadership commission. In this piece of work, the commission aims to scrutinise and improve diversity in the leadership of the region.

According to the Mayor, it is about asking the question as to why there are not more leaders from minority communities in leadership positions and giving them the encouragement to pursue this.

This year’s Birmingham Pride theme of “Be You” centres on uplifting those from marginalised groups to express their true selves and be free to do so. With his own story, Andy made a statement to all attendees of Pride as well as the larger community:

“When you look at some of the incredible success stories across Britain, and I might even say my own story actually, it’s an example of just be you. So look at those role models that have done that and just think to yourself you too can be yourself and be cherished for that”.

Watch Andy Street’s interview with I Am Birmingham’s Joshua Williams:

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Limited day only tickets are still available on the door for the final day of Birmingham Pride.