Library News - LibGuides at BPP University

Happy Pride from the BPP University Library Team! Attending a Pride in London event? Celebrating Pride at home? However you choose to celebrate Pride, we wish you all a happy, special, and memorable weekend.

Celebrating Pride at home:

You do not need to attend a Pride event in order to celebrate Pride. The inclusive values of Pride can be celebrated and acknowledged all year round, even if you choose not to publicly ‘come out’ or are still exploring your sexual identity/gender identity. There are many free and/or low cost ways to celebrate Pride at home or in private, such as:

- hosting a Pride-themed movie night/games night with supportive family and/or friends,

-baking rainbow-themed treats,

-listening to Pride podcasts or watching Pride documentaries,

-learning about LGBTQ+ heroes through the BPP Library ‘Learn Proud Live Proud’ LGBTQ+ Heroes exhibition for LGBTQ+ History Month,

-reflecting on the values and history of Pride

-reaching out for support if you need it: please see the BPP Students’ Association LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing resources here.

We also recommend browsing the LGBTQ+ works in our Read with Pride 365 reading list, via on the Online Library, which includes works available as standard loans in our Great Reads reading lists. Great Reads collections are available at London Central (Holborn), London West (Shepherd's Bush), Birmingham and Manchester, and include fiction and nonfiction, and ebooks.

Attending Pride: Staying Safe at Pride events

If attending a Pride event in London, plan ahead to prepare for any travel or transport disruption, and have alternative transport routes planned.
Go with a trusted and supportive friend/family/peer group, look after one another and take breaks if needed
Arrange a safe meeting place and meeting time in case you get separated from your group
Be vigilant in case of theft or pickpocketing, and keep aware of your surroundings. Keep all valuables (e.g. phones) or hidden in a secure bag that can be kept out of sight, if possible
Make sure phones are fully charged and bring a portable phone power pack/charger if possible.
Make a written note of emergency numbers in case of phone theft
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: bring a water bottle, wear and re-apply sun protection cream (SPF) and wear light, loose clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. You may also wish to bring a face mask to help protect you from COVID.
Do not leave your water bottle unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking
Don’t forget the essentials: for example:

- Cash to be used in an emergency or to ensure a safe route home, kept separate from a purse or wallet (for example, in case you lose your wallet, or in case your wallet is stolen). Do not take more cash than is necessary.

-Snacks

-Water

-Your phone

-Hand sanitiser/hand sanitiser wipes

-Photo ID

Security and police

Police presence: Metropolitan Police Officers will be present at Pride in order to help create a safe environment and respond to any incidents or emergencies. More information is available here.
If you are witness to a crime, report it immediately to the police.
Pride Parade stewards and security stewards will be in attendance.

First Aid