Why Kindness Matters This Pride Month

Written by HDN Associate, Lisa Vine

As I write this, I have a wonderful view of my garden – in all of its glory. And trust me, it looks glorious. Glorious in part, because of the hard work my wife and I have put into it, but also, and mainly I might add, because its late Spring and almost Summer which means everything is blooming. The garden, if you’ll humour me, is celebrating the season – the warm hot sun, the longer days and the occasional rainfall, which keeps everything going.

Summer, for many LGBTQ+ folks, is also a time of celebration. A season of the year when there are so many prides held up and down the UK, which now means they are no longer held just in June, which of course, is Pride Month. They spill over, not unlike the unruly lavender in my garden, into the months either side and even into August and September.

And yet, this year, in 2026, I might add – just to reinforce the message – I don’t feel like celebrating. Not because I’m not proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community & to support them professionally in my role as an LGBTQ+ advocate, consultant and trainer. But, put simply, because I’m anxious at best and at worst, I’m afraid.

I’m afraid of what the UK has become and could become – a place where trans & non-people are being segregated by legislation. A place where many politicians want to take away the rights of my community. A place where LGBTQ+ hate crimes and incidents remain under-reported & yet have in recent years, been rising at a faster rate than most other hate crimes and incidents, which are reported.

However, perhaps most significantly, I’m afraid of the impact the legislative changes and uncertainty; alongside the hate crimes, incidents and prejudicial political and social narratives, are having on my community. I know, through my 1-1 Support and Advice Services that LGBTQ+ people are afraid and anxious, just as I am – but its more than that.

The fear and the anxiety to which I speak, will only, and arguably already is, having a negative impact on the wellbeing of those who part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it be an increase in poor mental health – depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation or simply a reduction in someone’s desire to actively participate within their local community and engage, as it were, in their everyday life.

For me, in the UK and in 2026, there is no excuse for this. There may well be political and sociological reasons for this, but let me loud and clear, there is no excuse. During a time of global hardship, to put it too lightly, this is a time, where people should be coming together. A time where people should be learning about those who are different to them and actively seeking, to not only rub along nicely together, but to be good friends and neighbours. A time to be proud of the diversity, which enriches our country and which, should never divide it.

So this Pride Month, I implore you to be considerate and kind. Wherever you are, whoever you are, please consider what it is like to be LGBTQ+ in the UK today, and in particular what it is like to be trans or non-binary.  You may not have a lived experience yourself, or know someone who is LGBTQ+. But know this. It is hard, and it simply shouldn’t be.

But most importantly, know that your kindness, the support and care you show to an LGBTQ+ person perhaps at work, or elsewhere, will make this challenging time, that little bit easier. Your kindness, showing someone they belong, will, if only for a moment make them feel less anxious and less afraid. And perhaps, this Pride Month, make them feel that they can, despite all that is going on, celebrate who they are.

For those organisations wanting to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action, Housing Diversity Network offers an LGBTQ+ Awareness and Inclusion workshop, delivered by HDN Associate Lisa Vine. The session explores key concepts around LGBTQ+ identities, inclusive language, lived experience and practical ways to create safer, more welcoming environments at work and in services.

If this reflection has resonated with you, you can find out more or book the workshop here:
https://www.housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk/training-2/essential-topics/lgbtq-awareness-and-inclusion