3.12.2023
Seeing more, doing more, enjoying life more
Alexander is spending more time with others, doing more activities and going to more places - and it's having a real positive impact on his life!
Parading with Pride Cymru
We had such an amazing, joyful, colourful, fun time at the Pride Cymru Parade!
mirus staff members, people we support and volunteers joined together with other local organisations to take part in the Pride Cymru Parade on Saturday 17th June 2023.
We met people from Innovate Trust, Gig Buddies Cymru, Cardiff People First, Drive Wales, and drag collective House of Deviant, and were amazed when we were all offered a spot right at the front of the parade, which meant we made it in to loads of news coverage! (You can see the links at the bottom of this article).
Everyone who joined to represent mirus was excited to be part in Pride Cymru’s largest parade yet, to represent inclusivity and the importance of being yourself.
Rhys, who is supported by mirus said:
“Walking with the crowd made me feel good inside. I love Pride Cymru. Let’s keep raising our voices all over the world to show whether you’re gay, bi, lesbian or you’re like myself a guy who is gay and with a disability, you are loved no matter what.
Thank you, Pride Cymru, and mirus for giving me the experience today that I will never forget.”
The day didn’t disappoint; everyone felt truly included in the celebrations, enjoyed meeting like-minded people, and had lots of fun. They marched, danced, clapped and cheered their way through the route, and loved every minute of it!
Laura and Stephanie, who are supported by mirus said:
“We felt so proud – and really loved walking and dancing to the drummers through the streets of Cardiff with our friends. We really felt included and part of the group.”
One of our Social Group volunteers, Annaliese, even got to meet and pose for a photograph with First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford. Photo from BBC article, available at this link.
mirus Support Worker and Social Group Leader, Mark Griffiths said:
“For me personally, It was an incredible experience; I was so proud being able to support people attend and represent mirus, it was amazing seeing the excitement and joy of everyone in our group.It reconfirmed why I love being a Support Worker at mirus; seeing people we support being themselves, having fun, being with friends, making new friends, enjoying, and living life.”
Everyone was thrilled after the parade, when they started seeing themselves and their mirus banners pop up on news coverage. We’ve shared a few links from the coverage we’ve found – but we’d love you to let us know if you spot us in anything else! Please email annikal@mirus-wales.org.uk with your links.
Spot us in this YouTube video (around 29:30 for the most clear bit)
We are already planning our outfits and items for next year’s parade. If you’re supported by mirus, or work or volunteer at mirus we’d love for you to join us in 2024!
