Capital One UK proudly returns as a sponsor of Nottinghamshire Pride

Capital One UK were delighted to be announced as a sponsor of Nottinghamshire Pride for the 3rd year.

On Saturday 30th July, the streets of Nottingham were dazzling with bright colours as the 2022 Pride Parade got into full flow, celebrating the fabulous diversity within the county and its LGBTQIA+ communities.

This year’s event had the theme ‘We See You’, which focused and highlighted the parts and people within our communities that may not be as visible as others.

Thousands of people across the county gathered together to celebrate, including 60 people from Capital One UK between associates and their friends and families and the day was a huge success.

But it wasn’t just a one day celebration for Capital One UK: the whole month has been dedicated to highlighting the amazing and creative people within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Capital One UK first introduced a splash of rainbow colours to their offices and sponsored Nottinghamshire Pride in 2018. This kickstated a journey that has led to the launch of OutFront UK at the start of 2019. Capital One UK’s LGBTQIA+ employer network OutFront UK continues to thrive as the Business Resource Group that aims to support, drive and champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion across all of the organisation.

“PRIDE. A word that means so much to so many. PRIDE. A time when we celebrate, support and elevate the visibility of our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer friends, colleagues and members of society. PRIDE. A time that goes beyond the street parades, parties and celebrations across the world and helps us understand and support others in the daily challenges and discriminations they face.

As a member of the society we all live in (and are accountable for), I know that we have come a long way - as a country and as a business (did you hear about our Stonewall Gold Employer award?). BUT I also know there is much to do with many unfairnesses, targeted discriminations and misinformation that exist. PRIDE helps me both celebrate how far we have come and identify what else we can and should do.” - Jean Panagamuwa (she/her), Sponsor for OutFront UK

What else did Capital One UK do to celebrate Pride?

Associates shared so many experiences of being LGBTQIA+ in 2022. The Pride Fireside Chat was a discussion hosted by the Equality Allies BRG lead, Lee Winder, and focused on what being LGBTQIA+ in 2022 means for some of Capital One UK’s associates as they discussed the importance of the campaign for them.

OutFront UK also hosted meets and greets before and after the parade. After the parade, all associates and families were welcome to the OutFront UK Afterparty at Nottingham’s newest LGBTQIA+ venue The G.O.A.T for drinks and pizza. It was a great opportunity for associates and their friends and families to network and make connections, and of course, be their full self around others.

For associates, both the parade and month-long array of activities has highlighted the importance of diversity for them at Capital One UK.

Emma Allen (she/her), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead said “I actually got really emotional seeing all the Capital One identity flags flying! I love that we work somewhere that takes a leading role in such an important community event and I can't wait to get my rainbow dress out again next year!”

Theo Judge (he/him), Financial Analyst said “Pride at Capital One is a mix of celebration and learning, thanks to the speakers from around our business who came together to share their own stories with us. Being able to march in the Notts Pride Parade and wave our own crazy big flags was a ton of fun, and the singing was surprisingly in tune..! The day definitely made me feel grateful for how openly proud I'm able to be.”

Rebecca Jones (she/her), Risk Specialist said “Pride was incredible! A day of joyful protest in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This year was extra special for me because I got to share it with my daughter Morgan, who was starting life at Capital One the following week. As we met up in Trent House to get parade ready and cover ourselves in glitter there was a real buzz in the air. Lots of colleagues with friends and family and it was a real joy to see the next generation getting involved. After a short briefing (and a LOT of glitter) we’re off. Banners and flags flying high."

Joshua McGregor (he/him), Development Engineer and Co-Lead for OutFront UK said “Pride is a time where we can celebrate, support and provide much needed visibility of LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues and members of society. In conjunction with our OutFront UK and LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, Capital One proudly sponsored the Nottingham Pride Parade. It was fantastic to see such enthusiastic and joyful support and we certainly made ourselves visible in our support of “One Love”! Throughout the month leading up to Pride, we elevated LGBTQIA+ voices in our business and shared heartfelt stories and experiences of being LGBTQIA+, provided education with Q&A panels and increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ issues. At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights may feel under assault, it’s truly inspiring to see a community like this celebrate how far we have come together and prepare for what we still need to do.”

Pride 2022 has been another huge event for all associates and their families at Capital One UK and here’s to celebrating it in 2023 in an even bigger and better way!

Here's a little recap of the parade...