Photo by West Midlands Railway (WMR)
Celebrating Pride: Insights from West Midlands Railway Staff
WMR celebrates Birmingham Pride 2025! Over 25 team members will march, showcasing diversity & inclusion. Employees share stories of pride, love, and allyship, fostering acceptance and authenticity. Join the inspiring celebration!
West Midlands Railway: A Strong Presence at Birmingham Pride 2025
As Birmingham Pride 2025 approaches, West Midlands Railway staff are gearing up to showcase their commitment to inclusivity. This year marks the company’s largest involvement yet, with over 25 team members set to join the vibrant parade. The inclusion of employees demonstrates the company’s dedication to being active allies within the community, fostering a welcoming environment.
Embracing Identity and Building Community
Ryan Mason, the lead of the aspect LGBTQ+ inclusion group at West Midlands Railway, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the parade march, emphasising the company’s mission to embrace diversity. He noted, «We are marching to show that as a company, we strive to be inclusive and be active allies. Love knows no limits, and we stand with the whole community to assert that everyone is loved, regardless of their identity».
Ryan Mason – lower centre Photo by West Midlands Railway (WMR)
Pride Through Personal Stories
Hannah Cotton-Diederich, the accessibility strategy and projects manager, conveyed the personal significance of Pride. She said, «For me, Pride is about celebrating the unique and beautiful family I have and embracing my identity and the identity of my family. It is important for my wife and I to be proud of who we are, and to teach our child to be proud too. I want to be part of building a supportive community and provide strength for others to be able to live and work without fear and judgement».
James Rogers, the social media manager, highlighted the vital aspect of community in his view of Pride: For me, the idea of Pride isn’t just members of the LGBTQIA+ community being okay and proud of their own identity – it’s the coming together as a collective community to support each other». Their passionate contributions reflect a shared sentiment that exemplifies the spirit of Birmingham Pride, uniting individuals under the banner of love and acceptance.
James Rogers – left Photo by West Midlands Railway (WMR)