CIAT and Building Equality march at Manchester Pride
Last Saturday saw representatives of the Institute march together with the construction industry's LGBT+ alliance in Manchester.
Over the bank holiday weekend, Building Equality – the construction industry's LGBT+ alliance – and representatives of CIAT took part in Manchester Pride, the North West's largest show of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
On Saturday 24 August, up to 200 professionals from the industry, who are passionate about working together and harnessing their collective power to drive LGBT+ inclusion in the construction industry, marched on the world-famous Manchester Pride Parade. The celebration was not complete without the return of the famous rainbow JCB, provided by long-term supporter Flannery Plant Hire.
Among these, representing CIAT were members Dr Colin Stuhlfelder MCIAT, Dayle Wheeler MCIAT, Nooshin Akrami MCIAT and Rob Foster ACIAT, all of the North West Region. They were joined by Adam Endacott, CIAT Communications Director.
From l-r: Rob Foster ACIAT, Nooshin Akrami MCIAT, Dr Colin Stuhlfelder MCIAT, Adam Endacott, CIAT Communications Director and Dayle Wheeler MCIAT
This was the biggest Pride yet for Building Equality in the North West and was the final stop in Building Equality’s busiest ever Pride season, following Pride events in Salford, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and Newcastle.
Following Manchester Pride in 2018, and reflecting on the results of recent industry surveys, Building Equality decided to become a catalyst for change on issues that LGBT+ individuals still face within the sector. To both educate and encourage positive conservations around sexuality and gender identity, the alliance has already rolled out bespoke, free resources, including the LGBT+ inclusion toolbox and talk and poster campaign, designed to facilitate inclusion on both construction sites and in offices.
Luke Ives, Chair of Building Equality Greater Manchester explains: “Building Equality is focused on building an inclusive construction industry, one which allows everyone to thrive, build effective working relationships and make a positive contribution.
“Recent statistics tell us that there are still daily challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals in our industry that need to be addressed. However, real progress has been made in supporting visible role models, so there is a true reflection of the communities we serve.
“Manchester Pride is our biggest showcase of EDI across the North West construction industry and is real-life reflection of the diversity within our industry.”
Sharyn Case, Building Equality member representative says: “Building Equality has progressed some ground-breaking initiatives in the past 12 months, which are encouraging LGBT+ inclusive workplaces across construction, engineering and the built environment.
To contribute to these initiatives, as an Ally, helps shift the industry culture and build more inclusive and understanding working environments. This is through educating and empowering others to become part of the solution.
Being an ally not only means supporting the LGBT+ community, but also to call out and address inappropriate language, behaviour and to encourage others to accept all without exception.”
Back in July, Architectural Technology and CIAT experienced a great first when it took part in Pride in London as part of Building Equality, led by President Elect Eddie Weir MCIAT.
Organisations supporting Building Equality at Manchester Pride:
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1. AECOM
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10. Civic Engineers
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19. Mace
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2. Amey
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11. Flannery Plant Hire
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20. Mott MacDonald
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3. Arcadis
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12. Hays
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21. RICS
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4. Arup
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13. Homes England
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22. Seddon
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5. Atkins
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14. ICE
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23. Turner & Townsend
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6. Balfour Beatty
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15. ISG
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24. Willmott Dixon
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7. BAM
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16. Jacobs
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25. Wood
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8. CIAT
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17. Kier
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26. WSP
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9. CIOB
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18. Laing O'Rourke
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27. WYG
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