News / UWE Bristol
Bristol Pride co-founder awarded honorary degree
Daryn Carter, director of Bristol Pride, has been recognised for his services to the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol with an honorary degree.
At a recent UWE Bristol graduation ceremony held at Bristol Beacon, Daryn was awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration in recognition of his long-standing work in equality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
A tireless campaigner for inclusion, Daryn Carter co-founded Bristol Pride in 2010, helping it grow into one of the UK’s largest Pride events, now drawing tens of thousands of people each year.
is needed now More than ever
The festival currently attracts around 40,000 attendees, with 25,000 people taking part in the annual Pride March through the streets of Bristol.
Daryn Carter, co-founder and director of Bristol Pride, has been recognised with an honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol – photo: UWE Bristol
As the event grew, its popularity prompted several venue changes to accommodate increasing crowds, starting at Castle Park, then moving to the Amphitheatre, Millennium Square and finally to its current home on the Downs.
Bristol Pride also hosts over 60 local charities and groups, offering them space to engage with the community and showcase LGBTQ+ services.
Daryn’s advocacy extends beyond the festival. He regularly visits schools to give talks on bullying, LGBTQ+ identities and the significance of Pride, and also works with young offenders in prisons to raise awareness of hate crime.
His commitment to inclusivity began during his time at the BBC, where he supported underrepresented groups to access jobs and introduced inclusive recruitment practices across the organisation.
Reflecting on the honour, Daryn said: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to be awarded an honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol. I’m thankful to see the importance of Pride and the positive impact that it has had on Bristol recognised.
It’s been an incredible journey growing Bristol Pride into one of the largest events in the city and one of the biggest Pride events in the UK, and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported Pride along the way.”
Daryn Carter co-founded Bristol Pride in 2010, helping it grow into one of the UK’s largest Pride events, now drawing tens of thousands of people each year – photo: Rob Browne
Sarah Grabham, deputy head of the college of business and law at UWE Bristol, added: “Daryn’s contribution to society, to championing equality, and to providing a voice for the vulnerable is immeasurable and inspiring.
“He works tirelessly to make Bristol and the wider region a more inclusive place for its community. He is a true ambassador and leader, and we’re so pleased to be able to honour him.”
No stranger to recognitions, Daryn Carter has previously been awarded the lord mayor’s medal for his work tackling inequality in Bristol and an MBE in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours. He is also the recipient of Freedom of the City of Bristol.
Main photo: UWE
Read more:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
