Marching together: celebrating Pride and community with Awin's Priders

Priders, Awin Global’s ERG for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, was formed in 2022, and is represented by over 50 members across six countries. Although Priders promotes visibility and a sense of community throughout the year, the opportunity to come together with colleagues during Pride season is a highlight for many. In this article, two Priders members discuss their experiences at Pride events this year. Brendan Johnson, co-founder of the ERG, marched with Awin for the first time at Pride in London. ERG member Friederike Grabley was invited to attend CSD Berlin Pride by Axel Springer, Awin’s parent company.

Brendan Johnson, Global Senior Team Leader

This year I had the opportunity to help organise Awin’s first time participating in Pride in London. Included in the march were Priders members, allies within Awin, and friends and family. The company’s Executive Board also attended, demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion from a high level. Any sense of hierarchy on the day though was replaced by a celebratory, unifying spirit, with Awin attendees displaying Priders-themed t-shirts and banners.

The period of planning leading up to the event was itself a rewarding experience. I worked with fellow Priders co-founder Alex to apply for a place in the march and organise attendees. We also had the opportunity to attend a number of pre-Pride events where we learned more about the volunteer-led efforts of the team that organised Pride in London. At these events we connected with other Pride attendees, many of whom represented ERGs from a range of companies, so there were definitely learnings and inspiration to take from these conversations.

Reflecting on the experience as a whole, Pride in London was a great success. It represented a highpoint of visibility for UK-based Priders members and will hopefully inspire other Awin territories to explore attendance in local Pride events.

Friederike Grabley, Senior Partnership Manager

This year was my second time on the Axel Springer – Queenseite – Truck and I am so glad I was able to be part of the day to represent Awin and Priders. The atmosphere is just electric.

For me the Christopher Street Day in Berlin is always one of the most special days of the year. To see so many people from all spheres of life come together, to celebrate love and each other in all forms. Especially as it is the city I live in.

I love how free everyone can be, to be unapologetically themselves and feel accepted. And let me tell you, some of the outfits were just fantastic. To have one day to dress and show your true self and to celebrate that, is just amazing and I love to see that.

This year was extra special as so many of my friends were able to make it, so halfway through, they joined the back of the truck and we walked the rest together. Of course I am always proud to be part of the community, but at the parade it somehow has a totally different feeling.