Manchester. 26 August 2019. Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines showed their support for the LGBT+ community by marching for the first time at Manchester Pride.
The Naval Service has taken part in LGBT+ Pride events up and down the country for more than 10 years, but this year is the first time a contingent of sailors and marines formally represented the Navy in Manchester.
Sailors and marines marched proudly through the city to send a message that the Naval Service welcomes all talent to its ranks regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Mike Hill, 35, from Manchester, said: “A significant number of sailors and marines come from the north of England and it’s important for us to show the whole of the country that we support the LGBT+ community.
“Your sexual orientation or gender identity really has no bearing on your ability to serve in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines – it’s your individual skills as a person that matter.
“It was a great feeling to be able to march with my colleagues through my home town. We had a great reception and we’re grateful to everyone who cheered us along.”
