CEO Thoughts: Rise, Resist, Reclaim.

Welcome to June and Pride Month

June is not just the start of summer — it’s a time to celebrate, honour, and uplift our LGBT+ communities. It’s a season of Pride events across the world, rooted in the legacy of resistance and courage that began with the Stonewall Riots in June 1969.

This Pride Month feels especially significant to me. As I reflect on where our communities stand today, I find myself asking: are we moving forward, or are we at risk of losing the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve?

At a recent dinner with LGBT+ friends, someone posed a difficult question: Have we reached the peak of LGBT+ rights — and are things now beginning to regress? It’s a sobering thought, and unfortunately, one that’s becoming increasingly relevant. Across the globe, we’re seeing growing hostility, misinformation, and attacks on equality and inclusion.

That’s why we all have a role to play. Whether it’s being Out and Proud, challenging prejudice and ignorance, or calling out the hateful rhetoric that spreads online — every action matters.

Now more than ever, we need to stay informed, engaged, and politically active. If you’ve never voted before or felt unsure about where political parties stand on LGBT+ issues, this is the time to learn. Your voice and your vote are powerful tools in the fight for our rights and our future.

Here at Derbyshire LGBT+, we are holding Community Conversations — safe spaces where people can come together, share their concerns, and talk about ways to take action. If you’re feeling uncertain or anxious about what’s next for our community, you’re not alone — and we’re here to listen and support you.

Derbyshire LGBT+ has been fighting for LGBT+ equality for 42 years. But today, we’re facing new challenges. Our funding has been slashed. The demand for support has skyrocketed. And like many community organisations across the UK, we can’t do this work alone.

We need you.
We need to re-find our community spirit.
We need to stand together.
We need to fight back.

This Pride Month, let’s remember where we’ve come from — and commit to protecting where we’re going. Not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

Happy Pride,
Ian Robson CEO Derbyshire LGBT+