News / Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride refuses sponsorship from UWE
A row over UWE Bristol‘s trans and non-binary policies has led to Bristol Pride saying they will refuse any sponsorship from the university.
The controversy began when UWE announced they would be changing their policies in line with the recent Supreme Court ruling that references to ‘sex’, ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in the Equality Act refer to a person’s sex at birth.
Bristol Pride had been facing increasing pressure from the LGBT+ community to sever its ties with the institution, which awarded Bristol Pride director, Daryn Carter, an honorary degree in 2025.
Carter said: “Bristol Pride has taken the decision that it cannot accept sponsorship from UWE whilst their current trans and non-binary policy is in place.
“UWE Bristol has been a longstanding partner to the festival and we had hoped to use our relationship to effect change.
“Since the Supreme Court ruling and drafted EHRC guidance, Bristol Pride has been doing what we can to stand up for our community and to push back on harmful legislation.
“The UWE LGBT+ Soc did not reach out to us prior to going online with a petition, and we had hoped for more time to continue conversations with the university, with a change to policy, before any sponsor announcements.
“We acknowledge though that we’ve not been as visible on social media about what we had been doing, which led to trans members of our community feeling like Pride does not stand with them, which is absolutely not the case, and for this we are sorry.
“We’ve been in the middle attempting to make things better for LGBT+ staff and students.
“We know there is a challenging road ahead for our community, politically and societally and we must stand united as a community against those that seek to further erase and erode our rights.”
In a statement, UWE vice chancellor, professor Sir Steve West, said: “UWE Bristol has proudly supported Bristol Pride since its first event 16 years ago and we value the positive relationship we have built with Pride and with the wider LGBTQ+ community.
“We are disappointed by the decision not to accept our sponsorship this year, but we acknowledge and respect the pressures Bristol Pride is currently facing and remain open to continued dialogue.
“UWE Bristol is firmly committed to equity, inclusion and the safety of all members of our community.
“Our Trans and Non‑Binary Policy was developed through extensive consultation, informed by expert advice, and reflects our legal responsibilities as a university.
“We recognise the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on our trans and non-binary staff and students.
“We remain committed to listening, learning and engaging constructively, and we hope to continue working with Pride and others in the future to support inclusive and respectful communities.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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