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Colleges unite to put the PRIDE in the West Midlands

Colleges unite to put the PRIDE in the West Midlands

27 February 2026

On Thursday 26th February, colleges from across the West Midlands united for a day of celebration and awareness raising at its first LGBTQ+ conference – Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands conference, held at Cadbury College.
Jacquie Carman at the PRIDE west midlands event

The conference shone a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ college communities in our region.

Jacquie Carman, Principal of Halesowen College and Chair of the Colleges West Midlands LGBTQ+ committee, opened the conference, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and meaningful connections.

Throughout the day, there was a series of guest speakers, each sharing their perspectives and lived experiences. Their stories will underscore the importance of fostering support, representation and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The event will also include a student and staff panels providing the audience with an arena to ask questions around their experiences within their college settings. An exhibition area, with stalls from charities and organisations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students provided invaluable resources and networking opportunities, helping attendees discover the tools and communities available to them across our region.

Each college to have space for their own individual quote.

On Thursday 26th February, colleges from across the West Midlands united for a day of celebration and awareness raising at its first LGBTQ+ conference – Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands conference, held at Cadbury College.
Jacquie Carman at the PRIDE west midlands event

The conference shone a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ college communities in our region.

Jacquie Carman, Principal of Halesowen College and Chair of the Colleges West Midlands LGBTQ+ committee, opened the conference, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and meaningful connections.

Throughout the day, there was a series of guest speakers, each sharing their perspectives and lived experiences. Their stories will underscore the importance of fostering support, representation and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The event will also include a student and staff panels providing the audience with an arena to ask questions around their experiences within their college settings. An exhibition area, with stalls from charities and organisations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students provided invaluable resources and networking opportunities, helping attendees discover the tools and communities available to them across our region.

Each college to have space for their own individual quote.

Jacquie Carman, commented “Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands is not just a conference; it’s a celebration of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the work we must continue to do. It’s an opportunity to bring our regional colleges together and learn, share and grow as a community.”
Jacquie Carman, commented “Putting the PRIDE in the West Midlands is not just a conference; it’s a celebration of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the work we must continue to do. It’s an opportunity to bring our regional colleges together and learn, share and grow as a community.”

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