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Guest blog from Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan.

As Pride Month 2025 begins, I want to take a moment to reflect not only on what this month represents, but also on what it might mean for those who may think they do not have a direct connection to it. 

I understand that for many people, a rainbow flag on the campus green or a poster in a corridor is not what makes them feel safe, seen, or supported. What truly matters is knowing you belong. That you can be yourself. That you can love who you love. That you are respected—without having to be exceptional or explain yourself. 

Just like everyone else. 

That is the real goal - not visibility for a month, but dignity every day. And yet, Pride Month still matters deeply. For as long as people anywhere can lose their freedom - or their lives - because of who they are or who they love, this time of year will always carry weight.  

Pride is a celebration of progress made, yes, but it is also a call to action, a chance to reflect, and an opportunity to understand ourselves and each other. 

Pride Month and everyday belonging are not opposites. They are partners. Recognising Pride does not mean that other identities or communities do not face adversity. They do. We see evidence of that in our society every day.  And the challenges and happiness of every person matters. So much progress has been made. So much more still needs to be done. 

That is why I am pleased to launch Pride Month at Harper Adams with a programme of activity designed not just to celebrate, but to invite participation, empathy, and growth. 

I have sent all staff and students details of events on campus and online that will bring us together to celebrate and promote inclusion.

And we are sharing a series of blogs and communications about Pride month and key issues about LGBTQIA+ identify, allyship and shared experiences.  

Sharing Stories, Building Understanding 

Throughout June, we are inviting staff and students to share personal stories and reflections on LGBTQIA+ identity and allyship. These lived experiences will be featured internally and/or externally, named or anonymously, in line with each author’s wishes. Real stories have the power to foster understanding and connection—please consider sharing yours.

Looking Beyond June 

We are also looking to launch an LGBTQIA+ Staff Network to help strengthen support and community all year round. This new network will complement the existing and I hope we can find ways for joint engagement between them. 

Resources & Support 

Our students and staff can access a wide range of support, including: 

- Resources on coming out, discrimination, education, and workplace equality. 

- Offers health advice, well-being tools, helpline support, and resources for students. 

What Does it Mean for You? 

Pride Month is about more than the LGBTQ+ community. It says something about all of us. It is about listening, learning, and committing—to a campus and a culture where everyone is treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

I invite all members of our community to engage, reflect, and participate—whether through events, stories, or quiet moments of thought.  

Let us move forward together, not just in celebration this month, but in solidarity every day. Whatever identity each one of us has, we will all be strengthened knowing that, as a community, we are committed to fostering an environment where every person matters, every voice is heard, every difference is understood, and where we all benefit from a collective Harper strength.