My First Media Pride Event

By Lucy Robinson, Events & Marketing Executive

Last Wednesday, I attended my first NDA Media Pride Event.

Media Pride isn’t driven by business goals or profit margins. This event exists purely to make a difference, to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, and to make a small but meaningful contribution. Yesterday was a powerful reminder of why it matters, and why it must continue.

Behind the Celebration

The road here wasn’t easy. In the lead-up, there were real doubts about whether the event would go ahead at all. Our brilliant Partnerships Director, Becca, spent countless hours securing sponsorships, a task that proved harder than in previous years. And it’s no surprise why: budgets to support the LGBTQIA+ community in our industry are far from flourishing. That reality is disappointing, but it makes the successes feel all the more meaningful.

The event was a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, coming together for a cause bigger than ourselves has the ability to inspire, connect, and uplift. And you could feel it everywhere. It was in the eyes of those new to the community, and in the quiet pride of those who have been part of it for years. Celebrating with newcomers was just as meaningful as honoring those who have long been advocates and allies.

Voices That Matter

I had the opportunity to interview some attendees, with New Digital Age Editor-in-Chief Justin Pearse, by my side, and it really opened my eyes to the importance of Media Pride. Individuals want to be seen and heard, and allies, of which there were many supportive ones at the event, want their colleagues’ voices to be amplified. Everyone I spoke to emphasised how critical this support is, and also how much harder it has become to sustain these events. Many shared the frustration of wanting their companies to do more, to have the budget to sponsor or host these initiatives themselves. Budgets that were more plentiful a few years ago simply aren’t there today. Some companies assume past efforts are enough, but I believe support cannot stop if it truly matters.

During these interviews, we asked attendees what smaller companies or startups could do to help, and the answers were simple, yet impactful. Gender-neutral toilets are a cost-free way to make people feel seen and comfortable. Email signatures that include pronouns help normalise gender diversity, ensuring no one stands out simply for expressing theirs. The lesson was clear: small, thoughtful steps can create safe and inclusive work environments, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

Continuing the Journey

I feel proud to be part of this community, and to work for a company that not only supports LGBTQ+ rights but actively works to make others feel seen and valued. Media Pride had been part of our events calendar for three years before I joined, and after experiencing this event firsthand, I’m already looking forward to next year. Here’s to many more Pride events that celebrate, empower, and make a real impact.

I also want to take this time to send a heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams at The Independent, 59A, and the Egalité team at Publicis Groupe for stepping up and making this event possible. And, of course, our long-term partners, Outvertising, whose continued support has been invaluable.