On 23rd August 2025, Manchester’s streets erupted in music, glitter floated through the air like confetti in sunlight, and the roar of celebration carried from the Canal Street cobbles to the town hall steps. In the middle of it all — amongst the sequins, rainbow flags and dazzling smiles — the social care sector made its mark, bigger, bolder, and prouder than ever before.
Last summer’s London debut was about making history for adult social care at Pride. This year, at one of the UK’s most iconic Pride festivals, the message was louder: we belong here, and we’re here to stay. The Outstanding Society’s, Out Standing Diversity Forum, brought together providers, frontline workers, people who draw on care, and allies to form a united, unapologetically colourful presence in the parade.
“Marching at Manchester Pride was a powerful reminder of the strength and vibrancy of our care community,” said Sanjay Dhrona, Director of The Outstanding Society.
“At The Outstanding Society, we believe inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a responsibility. Pride is about visibility, solidarity, and celebration, and we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues, communities, and those we support, to champion equality in every space. The energy, love and joy we experienced on the parade route reaffirm our commitment to ensuring social care is a place where everyone—staff and those receiving care—can feel safe, respected, and truly themselves.”
Adding their perspective, Phil Harper, social care lecturer, poet, drag artist and LGBTQIA+ activist, said: “As a poet and drag artist, Pride gives me the platform to celebrate joy and identity. As a social care lecturer, it reminds me why inclusion must run through every care interaction — because dignity, culture and representation are not optional extras.”
The backdrop to Pride 2025 was a Britain in flux — fresh from a general election, with new policy promises on equality and inclusion, but still navigating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In social care, workforce shortages and funding challenges remain, yet the march proved that there’s also a growing determination to make the sector more inclusive, culturally competent, and welcoming to LGBTQ+ people.
For many LGBTQ+ people — particularly older adults or those living with complex needs — accessing care that truly affirms their identity remains a challenge. Past experiences of discrimination can make people wary of seeking help. Manchester Pride gave the sector a chance to send a powerful message: your identity will be respected, your voice will be heard, and your care will come with dignity and understanding.
“I enjoyed expressing my sexuality and being around such positive energy,” said Cameron, an expert by experience supported by LDC Care.
“Walking through thousands of people cheering for me made me feel like a special person. I love going to Pride. I love that my support and everyone there made me feel safe. I can’t wait for the next one — I had a blast.”
Care providers used the opportunity not just for celebration but for commitment. Alongside the march, some announced new LGBTQ+ awareness programmes for staff, while others launched peer support networks for queer employees in care.
Samantha Crawley, Chief Executive of EQ Care Group, explained: “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is the cornerstone of EQ Care Group. Our homes are built to include everyone… places where people from the LGBTQ+ community can live and work, where they are encouraged to be themselves, every day, in every way. We are thrilled to have people from our homes join in this momentous occasion — Social Care, marching together in Manchester Pride.”
This year’s Pride presence for social care was a fusion of joy, advocacy, and connection — proof that when the sector shows up, it makes a difference. Every step along the parade route was a reminder that visibility matters, that representation matters, and that inclusion should be the norm, not the exception. And when the last float rolled away and the music faded, one thing was clear: the work of building a truly inclusive social care sector continues — but after Manchester Pride 2025, it does so with even more colour, confidence, and pride.
