Colleges unite to put the pride in the West Midlands

Colleges from across the West Midlands united for a day of celebration and awareness yesterday, hosting an LGBTQ+ conference entitled Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands. 

The event, led by Halesowen College, shone a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ college communities in our region.  

Jacquie Carman, Principal of Halesowen College and Chair of the Colleges West Midlands LGBTQ+ committee, opened the conference, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and meaningful connections.

Throughout the day, there was a series of guest speakers, each sharing their perspectives and lived experiences. Their stories underscored the importance of fostering support, representation and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The event also included student and staff panels providing the audience with an arena to ask questions around their experiences within their college settings.  

An exhibition area, with stalls from charities and organisations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students, provided invaluable resources and networking opportunities, helping attendees discover the tools and communities available to them across our region.

Jacquie said: "Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands is not just a conference; it’s a celebration of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the work we must continue to do. It’s an opportunity to bring our regional colleges together and learn, share and grow as a community."