Teams from all three publicly-owned rail companies took part in the city’s annual Pride event today (7 June 2025), championing inclusion, visibility, and unity across the industry.
York Pride brings communities together in a colourful celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture. This year, the participation of LNER, TPE, and Northern marks a powerful statement of solidarity and shared values – promoting equality, representation, and respect both on and off the tracks.
The partnership was showcased through a striking presence in the York Pride parade, with colleagues walking side-by-side. Each operator brought its own unique Pride story, uniting under a shared mission to make the railway a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.
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Stuart Thomas, communications director at LNER and Executive Sponsor of Together, the LNER LGBTQIA+ Network, said: “It’s brilliant that LNER, TPE and Northern colleagues can come together to support Pride. Inclusion is at the heart of LNER, where we want everyone to feel like they can be themselves at work.”
Tricia Williams, managing director at Northern, said: “We’re proud to be creating the kind of workplace where our colleagues can be themselves. We’re a business that’s as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve, so I’m really proud that we are joining forces with colleagues from across the industry to celebrate this important event.”
Harriet Harbidge, diversity and inclusion manager for TransPennine Express, said: “Taking part in York Pride alongside our colleagues at LNER and Northern shows the strength of solidarity within the rail industry.
“By standing side-by-side, we’re showing our commitment to making the railway a place where everyone feels seen, safe and celebrated.”
Robin Gisby, chief executive of DFTO, the body responsible for train operators in public ownership, said: “We are committed to attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce and to accelerate equal opportunities across the Group.
“Events like York Pride are a great opportunity to showcase that commitment and to bring colleagues from LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express together on a single message – that the rail industry is for everyone.”
The month of June marks the start of a Summer of Pride across the LNER route. LNER has designed a special route map documenting where your closest Pride event can be found, and how the company celebrates Pride all year round.
This can be found here: https://www.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/pride-all-year-round
