Gaydio partners with Co-op as part of Gaydio’s ‘Proud Partner’ summer Pride campaign

29 July 2021

Gaydio, the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ radio station, is partnering with Co-op to bring a series of Pride events to life including Bristol Pride, Manchester Pride and Birmingham Pride.

The partnership will see Co-op extend its support for Pride events across the UK as part of its ongoing commitment to celebrate and champion the diversity of its colleagues, members across local communities.

Co-op supports LGBTQ+ communities across the country all year round through its Local Community Fund. When Co-op members buy select Co-op branded products and services, 2p in every pound spent goes to supporting causes in their local community, with LGBTQ+ causes receiving support from members.

Crawley LGBT, which raises awareness of the local LGBTQ+ community and provides research and support is just one of many community groups across the UK receiving support from Co-op members.

Claudia Carvell, Inclusion Manager at Co-op and Chair of Co-op’s LGBTQ+ colleague network, Respect, said: “LGBTQ+ Pride festivals are a much-needed celebration of LGBTQ+ life and an important reminder of what still needs to be done to achieve equity for all LGBTQ+ people in communities throughout the UK. Support for these events is central to our vision of co-operating for a fairer world where all people are valued equally.

“Due to the pandemic, festivals were disrupted and cancelled last year and lots of charities suffered so we’re thrilled that in 2021 Pride is back and we’re preparing to join the party across the nation by working with Gaydio on this partnership.”

As well as celebrating Prides across the UK, Gaydio will be the place “where Pride Lives” by celebrating the Rainbow road to Tokyo, talking to LGBTQ+ athletes taking part in the Olympics, and “Fighting with Pride”, an audio series taking a look back on the ban of being out in the military.

Ian Wallace, Director of Gaydio, said: “Some prides might not be going ahead, but Gaydio will be giving you a taste of those that are this summer. We are delighted to be working with the Co-op who have been actively supporting Prides across the UK for a number of years now. We will be physically at Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham Pride with street teams and broadcasting live from these cities. We can’t wait!”

The partnership forms part of a broader commitment to equality and diversity at Co-op, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s award winning, inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) network.

ENDS

For media enquries, please contact: Mark Carrington, mark.carrington@coop.co.uk

About the Co-op: The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by over 4 million UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,600 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing over 63,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of £11.5 billion. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.