People Recognising Individuality, Diversity & Equality

An Inclusive Dark Tourism Attraction

That time of year has come, where many companies display their support for Pride in a variety of visible ways. Many choose to run campaigns, hold diversity and inclusion workshops, fundraise, or have their own celebration. But is there enough awareness out there to educate and inspire people to make the positive changes to ensure everyone feels appreciated, and accepted in their workplace? Even today in 2023, there are many that feel as though their company does not offer that inclusivity, which leaves many feeling as though they cannot express themselves, talk about their sexuality or gender identity.

Nobody should be made to feel that way!

What is Pride month?

Pride month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQAI+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. In most places, Pride is celebrated throughout the month of June each year in commemoration of its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Pride month is now typically celebrated by holding parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts. London, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, and Liverpool are just some of top locations that Pride is celebrated in the UK.

We should also remember that there are parts of the world where these types of celebrations are illegal. Areas of the world where having the right to love another individual or express yourself is severely frowned upon and can bring harsh and unfair punishments. There are areas of the world where violence & discrimination is accepted and in fact encouraged. These are the people we need to keep in mind and the areas where changes still need to be made and more awareness created.

The team here at Shrewsbury Prison are always ready to welcome anyone with open arms, no matter who they choose to be and discrimination in any form has no room within this team. The welfare of our staff will always be put first. As our driving force, the team is what makes Shrewsbury Prison so great and without them, we wouldn’t be An Immersive Dark Tourism Attraction how we know it today.

We believe in offering a work environment that makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. An area that you are able to express your true self. Creating an environment any differently will only reduce productivity but more importantly cause deterioration in the team’s mental wellbeing.

This month, the team will come together to express their thoughts around this matter and to give their opinion on what it feels like to work within an environment that is so inclusive and supportive. But that isn’t enough, this type of awareness shouldn’t be reserved for just one month, we should push to raise awareness all year round. It is everyone’s responsibility to push for positive changes, but it is also everyone’s responsibility to educate those around them, including themselves, to create the best version of themself. We should all aim to create a person who respects, supports, and accepts everyone around them.

Everyone has the right to be treated equally regardless of who they are or who they love, and that is something we as a team will continue to push for.

We are Shrewsbury Prison, and we have Pride. Pride in ourselves, Pride in our team and Pride for who they are.