WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Matt Horwood 

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION WITHIN MANCHESTER PRIDE?

Press Officer

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START WORKING FOR PRIDE?

June 2011

WHERE HAVE YOU WORKED PREVIOUSLY?

I am currently finishing my Masters in International PR, and have been interning with Manchester Pride since the start of 2011. I am also a reporter for Viva Manchester magazine, and have worked in for WOW! PR, The PR Office and in club promotions.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THIS YEAR’S MANCHESTER PRIDE?

21 is a cause for celebration; I hope that this year Manchester Pride's celebrations are bigger than ever before, by hitting the £1M mark for charity. I hope that our 'Best of British' parade theme this year will also highlight the wealth of diversity Britain has to offer, with plenty of surprises and fantastic costumes!

WHY IS MANCHESTER PRIDE SO IMPORTANT?

Manchester Pride is important for what it raises: funding and awareness. The groups who receive funding from Manchester Pride are such fantastic and deserving causes, and it is so important for us to continue supporting them. Additionally, it is essential we make ourselves known and heard - raise awareness of all LGBT people (and the groups within that bracket) to continue breaking down prejudice and bringing us all closer together. 

WHAT’S THE WORST THING YOU’VE HAD TO DO FOR PRIDE?

Carrying a giant 'M' and 'P' around the city centre and having every other passerby guess what they stood for! 

BEST PRIDE MOMENT?

I love the Candlelit Vigil each year. Whilst Manchester Pride's Big Weekend can be used as a great time for partying and socialising, the Vigil is always the part that I remember.