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IBMS Pride 2024

Last updated: 6th January 2025
IBMS Pride 2024

A round-up of IBMS members' lively participation in the London and Cardiff Pride 2024 events.

In a colourful celebration of diversity and inclusivity, IBMS members proudly participated in both London and Cardiff Pride events this June, coming together to show their support for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

An opportunity to support a meaningful cause, all visiting members were equipped with custom-designed IBMS rainbow lab coats and #IBMSPride flags to represent the profession in style.

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Read on to explore the highlights and memorable moments from these vibrant celebrations.

IBMS Pride London

The London Pride parade ran from Hyde Park Corner through Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket and along Pall Mall to Trafalgar Square, finally concluding at Whitehall Place. Supporters were invited to watch the march from any of the designated public spaces dotted along the route.

As soon as they were ready to march, members unravelled IBMS’ secret weapon, an #IBMSPride rainbow banner with the words: ‘Your proud hospital laboratory experts #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare’ displayed across the front in bold letters.

Despite a few protesters, the atmosphere remained positive and uplifting, with crowds expressing appreciation for the biomedical science profession. Cheering supportively as members walked, bystanders made comments including: ‘We love biomedical science!’ and ‘IBMS,IBMS!’

West Herts 

An estimated 500 community groups and businesses took part in London Pride this year, with other healthcare organisations also taking part. Members were even joined by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who spotted our sign and posed for a quick photo!

Chris Wilson, an IBMS member attending Pride for the first time, shared his thoughts on the event:

‘Having not attended Pride before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised and it was really moving to hear the cheers of support from the huge crowds that gathered as we marched together along the route. I have been fortunate to have not encountered any discrimination in my career, finding the field of Biomedical Science to be very open, inclusive, and progressive. I know this is not the case out in the wider world and felt it was important this year to take part, as despite the progress that has been made, the vocal opposition against LGBTQIA+ rights is rising and erosion of equal rights is being seen, particularly over in America.”

Chris goes on to emphasise the importance of participation in Pride events:

‘It was heartwarming to see the level of support this community has here in London and across the UK and the diversity in the groups represented at pride. Marching with the IBMS helped highlight the work we do as scientists which often supports other groups working directly with LGTBQIA+ communities, and lets the community know who we are and how inclusive the profession is.’

As the parade came to an end, members gathered for reflections on the day's events, sharing stories of pride and solidarity. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the impact that supportive communities can have in promoting positive change.

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To read a run-down of events at Pride Cymru in Welsh, click here.

On the weekend of 23rd June, thousands of people marched the streets of Cardiff to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and visibility at the Pride Cymru festival.

The annual Pride parade began on Castle Street on Saturday at 11am. Following this, Cardiff Castle's grounds were opened for various performers across two stages, as well as a family area, youth area, and a faith tent.

All IBMS members marching in the parade wore Pride lab coats and distributed stickers and badges in both English and Cymraeg to parade-goers. They also carried a bilingual banner to highlight IBMS.


The idea to attend Cardiff Pride came from the newly formed IBMS Wales Region Events Committee, inspired by colleagues who attended London Pride in 2022. They brought the inspirational chant: “Two, four, six, eight, science does not discriminate! Four, three, two, one, science is for everyone!”

Hayley Pincott gave her thoughts on the event:

"What a way to attend my first Pride event, by actually being in the parade. It was such a fun day and great to be there as an ally and to show my support to the LGBTQ+ branch members and the community as a whole. I can't wait to attend next years event representing the IBMS."


Victoria Bradley also added: "I've attended a number of Pride events over the years, but this was the first time I was representing my profession. An amazing and inclusive event which was shared by Academics, Students and Colleagues in clinical practice, looking forward to next year and seeing how we can get more people involved and potentially attend more parades."

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