Joining forces with Transport for London (TfL), an array of LGBTQ+ personalities, including renowned Drag Race star Bimini, stylist extraordinaire Gok Wan, talented DJ and writer Nick Grimshaw, and the remarkable dancer Queen MoJo, are uniting to commemorate Pride throughout London's extensive transport network.
As part of a vibrant poster campaign, these luminaries will share their personal journeys, interwoven with other captivating LGBTQ+ narratives, alongside eye-catching vehicle wraps. These initiatives precede London's momentous Pride celebrations on Saturday, July 1st.
The purpose of the poster campaign is to amplify the voices within the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring passengers to embrace their own stories under TfL's empowering theme, #EveryStoryMatters.
This year, TfL's posters will showcase a diverse range of individuals, including the dynamic drag superstar Bimini, the esteemed Gok Wan MBE, the mesmerising dancer and fashion enthusiast Queen MoJo, the hilarious comedian Dee Allum, the captivating drag queen Asifa Lahore, as well as dedicated TfL staff members.
Additionally, the campaign highlights TfL's commitment to fostering diversity by showcasing the creativity of its workforce through designs, poems, and craftwork.
Commuters will also encounter uplifting quotes from LGBTQ+ literature, such as the impactful “Soft Lad” by Nick Grimshaw, available as e-books on TfL's Book Club website, adorning the whiteboard posters in various stations.
Furthermore, the London transport network has undergone a captivating transformation with the incorporation of unique and vibrant designs on select TfL services.
A London bus, a London Overground train, an Elizabeth line train, and an Underground engineering train have been enveloped in these captivating designs, shaped by the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Reflecting the remarkable diversity of London, these vibrant designs will captivate the attention of people across the city, extending as far as Essex and Reading. Passengers traveling on the route 63 bus between Honor Oak and King's Cross have already had the pleasure of experiencing these captivating designs, on display since mid-June.
With a profound commitment to supporting Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, TfL has actively participated in the London parade since 2006. On July 1st, the London bus adorned with the Pride design will accompany TfL representatives in the Pride in London parade. During this momentous event, the TfL contingent will march under banners representing the Women, Faith, RACE, Carers, Parent and Guardians, and Disability Colleague Network groups, alongside the OUTbound banner, highlighting the multifaceted nature of London's LGBTQ+ communities. TfL will also have a notable presence at the London Trans+ Pride, Croydon Pride, UK Black Pride, and Bi Pride events.
In its continuous pursuit of inclusivity, TfL has implemented various initiatives, including the introduction of diversity traffic signals, the use of rainbow-wrapped vehicles across the transport network, community-inspired posters, and the regular display of inclusive roundel designs bearing the vibrant colours of Pride flags throughout Pride celebrations.
Bimini, a drag artist who is part of the campaign, said: “It's incredible and amazing to highlight people's experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community cause it's not always easy for everyone. If you're younger and you see people speaking about what they've been through, it makes you feel seen and heard.”
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “As London's Pride celebrations approach, I'm delighted that we are once again using the TfL network to celebrate our fantastic LGBTQ+ communities. From sharing the stories of Londoners to wrapping trains in this distinctive livery, we are joining together to show the world that in London we celebrate our diversity.”
London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said: “Our LGBTQ+ communities make an enormous contribution to life in our capital and this year's campaign across the transport network is a wonderful way to celebrate that. Across the globe too many people still face prejudice because of who they are, and we are seeing very troubling efforts to stifle hard won rights, so it is more important than ever that we stand together in solidarity and celebration.”
Patricia Obinna, TfL's Director of Diversity & Inclusion, said: “This year's Pride campaign on our network seeks to amplify the important voices and rich stories within the diverse LGBTQ+ community. Services across TfL are displaying a vibrant design in support of the LGBTQ+ community and this year's corporate message of “Every Story Matters” has also been brought to life through our partnership with well-known LGBTQ+ personalities and with the unwavering support of our Colleague Network Group, OUTbound, who helped to shape this campaign.
“We are proud to continue to support Pride by sharing Pride messages across our network, and we hope people connect with the different stories as they travel on our network.”
