Nurses back Manchester gay festival

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Under the banner ‘Make discrimination history, pride in nursing’ the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) North West region has announced its support for this year’s Mardi Gras Parade in Manchester.

Steve Flanagan, RCN Regional Director for the North West said: “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues are very important to us as an organisation, both for our members and as professional nurses sensitive to the needs of LGBT clients and patients.

“The North West is an RCN diversity beacon site and we are working to build new links with organisations that represent the various LGBT communities.

“Manchester Mardi Gras is a fantastic opportunity for us to kick-start that work and demonstrate both our real commitment to tackling discrimination and support for LBGT nurses.”

Mardi Gras is widely recognised as one of the biggest and best celebrations of LGBT culture nationally and internationally.

The RCN is expecting over 50 nurses from across the North West to join the main parade, making nurses one of the largest groups taking part on the day.

Matthew Harris, Regional Officer and coordinator of the RCN contingent said: “The RCN is a diverse membership organisation. We want to celebrate that diversity and there is no better way than Mardi Gras. So we’re calling on nurses throughout the North West and country to come along and join us on the big day.”