News Articles
27 August, 2005
Army marches in Gay Pride parade
Source: icScotland.co.uk
Soldiers went on parade for the Army's first foray into a Gay Pride festival.
Soldiers in uniform walked alongside hundreds of other marchers from the lesbian, gay and transgender community for Manchester's annual Gay Pride march.
The Army hopes to attract more recruits from the gay and lesbian community - and show it can be gay friendly.
The 10 recruits marched in the parade on the two-mile route through the city centre, watched by thousands of supporters lining the streets ten-deep.
Warrant Officer Lutha Magloire, 39, of the Logistics Corps, was at the parade as part of the Army's Diversity Action and Recruitment Team.
Surrounded by a troupe of gay Cupids wearing silver paint and sporting feathered wings and a bow, Warrant Officer Magloire said the Army was determined to show it can be diverse.
"We don't really care what sexual orientation you are if you want to come and join us in the Army," he said.
"I'm not prepared to say if I am gay or not. The Army does not care and does not ask that question to recruits. Whether straight or not, it does not really matter."
The RAF took part in the parade for the second year running - with a float featuring the cockpit of a plane.
Servicemen and women were also joined by more marchers in other uniforms, including the police and fire service. Gay showbiz star Graham Norton, also at the event, backed the Army's efforts.
