When did you first volunteer for Pride?

2006

What type of volunteering have you done previously?

helping with various charity fundraisers

What has been your best experience whilst volunteering for Manchester Pride?

helping with the parade: seeing the pride in the participants and the reception from the crowds

How did you hear about Manchester Pride?

Many years ago...I stumbled off a bus in chorlton street bus station (where it used to be) and accidently found myself in the middle of it! I was a young 18 year old, literally only just "out" and was scared to death! Needless to say, the following year I was intrigued and excited to find out more and have been just about every year since!

How has volunteering benefited your personal development?

I have made some great friends, and developed my local social network. As I am not originally from Manchester, it has been a great way to meet people that I didn't work with (other than in a bar!)

How has volunteering benefited your professional development?

It has built my confidence and helped me believe that the skills I have learnt in my career are transferable. It has also been good to work in a different team and carry out roles that are new and challenging.

Would you recommend volunteering for Pride?

Definitely!

What advice would you give to anyone considering being a volunteer with Manchester Pride?

Think about it seriously first...the volunteers are an integral part of the event, and as we work as a team there's nothing worse than being let down by those that say they are going to help then don't turn up. I think it's fair to say all the volunteers juggle the volunteering they do over the weekend with socialising...and I undoubtedly do at least one shift with a hangover. However, I wouldn't dream of letting the team down, and I also know that the volunteering adds so much to my experience of the weekend that I really couldn't imagine attending and not being a volunteer.

What has been your best Pride moment?

Can I only pick one? Meeting Angie Brown backstage has to be mentioned: having watched her in awe so many times it was a such a privilege. The vigil is always a favourite part of the weekend for me, after all the partying and celebrating over the big weekend it seems poignant that it ends with an emotional reminder of why it all began, which is easily forgotten in a world where we are increasingly more accepted and fairly treated. But I have to say, the parade is probably the highlight for many people, and certainly as a volunteer it is the most exciting and proud part of the weekend for me.