Stagecoach West is proudly showing its support for the LGBTQ+ community as one of the sponsors at this year's Pride event in Gloucester, taking place on Saturday 9th September.

Stagecoach West will be promoting inclusivity and diversity within its workforce, as well as the wider community it serves.

Showcased at the event will be the bus operator's Pride Bus, newly wrapped in the colours of the Progress Flag, a development of the rainbow flag to also represent the trans, non-binary and intersex communities and to show support for marginalised LGBTQ+ communities of colour.

The Stagecoach West Pride Bus will be parked next to the main stage at Gloucester Park, providing a colourful addition to the already vibrant event.

Staff will also be in attendance; representing Stagecoach and giving visitors the chance to find out more about their local bus services and win various prizes.

Sponsorship of Gloucester Pride and the dedicated Pride Bus are visual demonstrations of Stagecoach's commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and their diversity pledge within the business.

The bus operator has a number of 'employee networks' available to staff members including LGBTQ+, Veterans, Parents and Multicultural. These networks were introduced to educate and promote causes within the organisation, creating a more inclusive workplace and giving employees a bigger voice in the future of the business and how it engages with the local communities.

Rachel Geliamassi, managing director, of Stagecoach West said: "We're delighted to be a sponsor at this year's Gloucester Prid, it's such a fun and vibrant event and I hope it's wonderful for all involved. As an inclusive company, it's important that we show our support of the LGBTQ+ community and let everyone know that they are welcome and valued, both within our teams and on board our services".

"Our employee-led networks have been incredibly successful, giving members the freedom to push boundaries, encourage change and support colleagues - all the things that make Stagecoach such a great place to work."