Marching with Pride in London and Cardiff
Continuing their commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion and allyship in biomedical science IBMS members marched through central London and Cardiff’s city streets with a clear message: science is for everyone.
Wearing their signature rainbow lab coats and waving #IBMSPride flags and banners, members came together to celebrate identity, support colleagues and represent the biomedical science profession with pride.
Pride in London
On 5th July, IBMS members joined the London Pride parade for the third consecutive year, marching through the capital to celebrate LGBTQ+ visibility and champion the message that inclusion belongs at the heart of healthcare.
Getting Pride-ready at IBMS HQ
The day kicked off at the IBMS offices, where members prepared for the parade. There was plenty of glitter, stickers and stamps to go around, along with a makeshift makeup station to get Pride-ready. It was a great chance to catch up, meet new faces and share in the energy of the day before heading to the march.
Flags, glitter and Pride stickers laid out and ready to go.
Choosing the perfect #IBMSPride lab coat for the parade.
Final touches. Getting Pride-ready with a little help.
Once ready, the group made their way to the parade route and took their place in the NHS section, marching just behind the Great Ormond Street Hospital bus. Walking alongside other NHS organisations, IBMS members proudly represented healthcare scientists and their contributions to the wider LGBTQ+ movement.
As always, the IBMS Pride team came prepared, unfurling their signature #IBMSPride rainbow banner, reminding thousands of onlookers of the laboratory professionals standing #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare.
Rain or shine
Despite grey skies, the atmosphere was full of colour. Marchers talked, danced to the music echoing through the streets, and interacted with onlookers who cheered on the profession.
IBMS member Gemma Brayden had this to share about the event:
“It was a fantastic day, and an honour to march with fellow members, proudly sporting our rainbow lab coats. Continuing to show up at Pride events is so important because we still face struggles with LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. IBMS participation shows commitment to inclusivity and rights in healthcare.
Pride Cymru
On 21st June 2025, members of the IBMS proudly marched in Cardiff Pride, marking a powerful moment of visibility, inclusion, and solidarity for biomedical scientists across Wales and beyond. This year’s event was especially significant, with IBMS President Joanna Andrew joining the parade in the capital city for Wales, and then marching again at Pride in London on 5 July - showing her ongoing support for LGBTQ+ colleagues across the profession.
Joanna Andrew shared:
“I have attended a number of Pride events over the years with family, friends and now with colleagues, in our iconic Pride lab coats. I am always moved to tears by the joy, unity and acceptance displayed throughout these events, and it is always very loud with the exuberant celebration of love and individuality.
The IBMS’s involvement in Pride events continues to grow, reflecting the profession’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all. As we marched through the streets of Cardiff, the message was clear: science is for everyone, and everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
