The University of Northampton was proud to take part in this year’s Northampton Pride, standing alongside local organisations, community groups and residents in celebrating diversity, inclusion and belonging.
For members of the University’s LGBT+ community, Pride is about far more than a single day of celebration. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of visibility, allyship and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
At the event, staff and students from across the University shared their experiences of being LGBT+ at UON and in Northampton, offering personal insights into what Pride means to them.
Nick Allen (he/him)
For Nick Allen, Co-Chair of the University’s LGBT+ Staff Network, Pride is both a celebration and an opportunity to build greater understanding.
“Seeing LGBT+ identities recognised and celebrated has made a real difference. It sends a clear message that everyone belongs, and it helps create a culture where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and study.
“For some young LGBT+ people, attending Pride is the first time they see a large community of people who share similar experiences. That visibility can be incredibly powerful. It offers reassurance that they are not alone and that there is a community ready to welcome and support them and that is why I am proud to be associated with two local Prides – in Northampton and Daventry.
“One thing I’d like people to understand is that LGBT+ people are simply part of the fabric of our community. We’re friends, neighbours, colleagues, classmates and family members. Being LGBT+ is only one part of who we are, but feeling accepted and respected can have a profound impact on someone’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.”
Louie-Sophie-Mai-Salmon (she/her/he/him)
For UON’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Project Officer, Louie/Sophie-Mai, Pride represents the power of belonging – and explains how it is about much more than colourful celebrations.
“Pride is important, but at its heart it’s about people living authentic, meaningful lives and contributing to communities they’re proud to call home.
“That’s why events like Northampton Pride matter so much. They send a clear message that everyone is welcome and belongs. At this year’s Pride, I had some wonderful conversations with people about what the event meant to them – how it helped them feel seen, build friendships and find a sense of safety within the community.
“One conversation that particularly stayed with me was with a prospective UON student who was excited to see the University represented at Pride. We were able to introduce them to the LGBTQIA+ Student Society and talk about the inclusive community they’ll be joining. Moments like that show how powerful visibility can be.”
Dr Anthony Stepniak (he/him)
As a long-serving member of staff, Anthony Stepniak has seen positive change both within the University and across the town over more than two decades.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is serving as Co-Chair of the University’s LGBT+ Staff Network. We have a passionate community that works hard to promote equality and inclusion, and it’s encouraging to see how closely the network works with senior leadership. It’s important that LGBT+ voices are heard when decisions are being made, and I’m proud that our network plays an active role in helping shape positive change across the University.
“Our presence at Northampton Pride reflects the University’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to be themselves. It’s about showing that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we actively support.
“Events like Northampton Pride play a vital role. They bring the LGBT+ community together to celebrate who we are, while also creating opportunities for others to learn, become allies and better understand our experiences.
“Pride helps people see that LGBT+ people are simply people: living their lives, contributing to their communities and deserving of the same acceptance as everyone else.”
Ava Spelman (she/her)
For soon-to-be-graduate of the University’s Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production degree, Ava Spelman, Pride represents visibility, belonging and the opportunity to connect people with supportive communities.
“For me, the most important thing people should understand is that being LGBT+ doesn’t make someone different from anyone else.
“I’m a lesbian, but that’s just one part of who I am. At the end of the day, I’m just another person. Sometimes people focus on the labels or the letters in the acronym, but what really matters is recognising that we’re all people who deserve the same respect, opportunities and acceptance.
“That’s one of the reasons why events like Northampton Pride are so important. They give people, especially younger children and teenagers, the chance to see a visible, welcoming community at a time when they might also be hearing negative stories in the news or seeing discrimination discussed online or in politics.
“Pride shows young LGBT+ people that they’re not alone. It gives them the opportunity to explore who they are, learn about different identities and meet people who share similar experiences. Whether that’s through conversations, community groups or something as simple as picking up a badge or learning what a Pride flag represents, those small moments can help someone feel seen and accepted.”
Together, these staff and student stories highlight the role universities can play in creating inclusive environments where people feel safe, respected and empowered to be themselves. They also reinforce the importance of community events such as Northampton Pride in bringing people together, encouraging conversations and celebrating the diversity that makes Northampton such a vibrant place to live, work and study.
As Pride celebrations come to a close for another year, the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion continues year-round – supporting students, staff and the wider community to build a culture where everyone feels they belong.