In celebration of Pride Month, we spoke with one of our LGBTQ+ colleagues Anna Carver, Assistant Engineer at Milestone. Anna is a member of one of M Group Services’ Pride Networks, and she’s shared her story with us including what Pride means to her.
Hi Anna, please could you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 29, originally from Liverpool, but moved to Oxfordshire for a Civil Engineering apprenticeship when we were still Skanska. I’m currently in my final year of studying for my Civil Engineering degree as part of the apprenticeship.
I identify as a lesbian and use she/her pronouns. I enjoy hiking with my dog, playing board games and recently starting bouldering in my spare time.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month for me is very wholesome. It gives space for me to feel safe and surrounded by a community that often goes unnoticed in everyday life. It’s a chance for me to celebrate how far we have come in this country in terms of creating that safe space for people to be their authentic self. It also serves as a place to continue to fight for the rights of those who are still ostracised by society. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is never-ending, so Pride gives us the platform to fight for those rights.
What role do you play as part of one of M Group Services’ Pride Networks?
I’m currently on the Milestone Pride Network steering group, helping to organise the network events and communications. I recently organised for us to walk in the Oxford Pride Parade last Saturday (8 June) and will be joining Building Equality at the London Pride Parade.
Who are your LGBTQ+ heroes?
Hayley Kiyoko, a musician, has been a big inspiration for me. Although, not the first to be open about and sing about her sexuality, she really led the way in recent years in bringing songs about women loving women to the forefront of pop music and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
How would you encourage readers to celebrate/mark Pride Month?
The best way anyone, whether part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, can celebrate is by educating themselves on past and current events. The biggest barrier to LGBTQ+ rights is ignorance/lack of understanding. The internet is full of information, so please educate yourself. Openly being an ally is the next step – attend a local pride event or donate to LGBTQ+ charities.
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