Today, 25th August 2020, Avanti West Coast has launched the UK's first fully-wrapped Pride train, which is entirely staffed by an LGBTQ+ crew for its first service this morning.
Following the Coronavirus Pandemic, many of the Pride events across the country were cancelled. So the train operator has wrapped one of its Pendolino trains with a Pride flag.
The train operator has used the most recent version of the Pride flag which sees the addition of the colours black, brown, light blue, pink and white to include people of colour, transgender people and those living with or who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.
Its first official journey, with the LGBTQ+ crew, will be from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly; however, the train was seen on the West Coast Main Line yesterday, 24th August 2020.
The livery will become a permanent part of Avanti West Coast's full fleet. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community will have the opportunity to name the train. A competition will be launched on Tuesday with entries to be submitted via its website.
Train manager, Paul Austin, said: “This is about being accepted for who I am and representing the LGBTQ+ community we serve across our network. Being a part of the UK's first all LGBTQ+ crew is a sign of the steps we're taking towards a more inclusive, diverse and equal society and I am so proud to be involved today.”
Discussing how Pride means more for the diversity and inclusion of people up and down the West Coast Main Line, Avanti West Coast Executive Director – Commercial, Sarah Copley said: “I'm delighted to be launching our new Avanti West Coast Pride Train which represents everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. It is a symbol of our commitment to diversity and inclusion as it travels up and down the West Coast Main Line. We Live Proud 365 days a year, not just today.”
“I am so proud to be a part of a business where our people represent the communities we serve. We are always listening to them and customers to ensure our diversity and inclusion strategy is relevant. Our new train livery is a powerful example of keeping the conversation going”.
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They say that people who disagree so strongly may be in the closet:) or why would it effect you so much
This is totally ridiculous. This is so NOT inclusive, it beggars belief. We ALL should have a right to defend our beliefs, not just a small minority!!!
Excellent! Well done Avanti. Sadly some of the comments on here highlight exactly why initiatives like this are needed. Homophobia and racism is still a major issue in this country and needs to be stamped out. If you refuse to take a train just because of the livery it’s painted in, more the fool you!
Avanti have clearly ignored the sensitivities of the 80% or so of society who identify as heterosexual. Not the first company to jump on this particular band wagon. A gay friend of mine admits to it as being just a little embarrassing. Thumbs down, Avanti, concentrate on running a reliable train service. That is what we pay for.
I’d say nice work Avanti West Coast. 👍
Wow. Some pathetic people are upset about the colour of a train. Trains aren’t only for sad lonely straight people you know!
WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH ITS SILLY IDEA TO PAINT 11 CAR TRAIN IN GAY PRIDE COLOURS.
MOST PEOPLE WHAT TRAVEL NORMAL COLOUR TRAIN LIKE BLUE + WHITE +ORANGE
IF I SEE IT ON HOLIDAY NEXT WEEK I NOT TRAVEL IT OR TAKE PHOTOS OF IF..
And there’s no need for shouting is there 🙄
I do like the livery on Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino “390119”. Shows how supportive it can be when it comes to LGBTQ+ in the UK.
Dave be gay and be happy but don’t expect us all to join in, we have no need for a “straight” train but we are expected to support all things “bendy”
True.
Richard, how I so agree with you, take the non-gay train before being LGBTQ+ becomes compulsory.
This is disgusting. Discrimination to all non-gay people as well as pushing sex and fascist politics down passengers’ throats when all they want to do is take a train. Activism has no place in running trains. I’ll take the non-gay train, thanks.