Community Rail Lancashire has released an anthology of stories to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month this June and to commemorate the national Railway 200 celebrations.
200 Stories of Railway Pride, funded by CrossCountry and Community Rail Network’s Community Rail Development Fund, celebrates stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, encompassing the heartbreaking to the humorous and the hopeful.
This is the third book in the series Community Rail Lancashire has produced, following 100 Women, 100 Journeys in 2021, and 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys in 2024.
The books aim to remind readers of the beauty of travelling by train, as well as inspiring more people from diverse backgrounds to look towards the rail industry for a potential career.
As part of the process, Community Rail Lancashire took groups from various queer support organisations out on try the train trips, including Brunswick Centre in Huddersfield, George House Trust in Manchester, LonGBoaT in Wakefield, Dykes Who Hike and Trans Leeds.
Many train operating and other railway companies feature in the book, including Northern, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Transport for London, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway, Scotrail, Freightliner, GB Railfreight, Colas Rail, British Transport Police and Network Rail.
200 Stories of Railway Pride was officially launched and shared with rail staff and members of the public at York Pride on Saturday 7 June. As well as the 95-page booklet, attendees also received wristbands, pens, ticket wallets and pin badges.
Karen Bennett, education team leader at Community Rail Lancashire, said: “As an industry, we’ve come a long way in how we welcome staff and passengers to our stations, trains and workplaces, not only from the LGBTQ+ community, but other underrepresented groups too, but we’re not quite there yet!”
“I’ve met many staff who have had positive stories of coming out at work or going through transition and wanted to share these to show how great the rail industry is but also provide a platform for queer staff and passengers to share their experiences of the railway.”
Shiona Rolfe, managing director at CrossCountry, said: “We’re delighted to support this important project as part of activities to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
“Rail plays a vital role in many people’s lives, connecting communities and stimulating regional economic growth. We are committed to representing the diverse communities we serve be being an inclusive employer, which is why we are so pleased to show our support for this worthy and thought-provoking project”.
Copies of the booklet will continue to be handed out at careers fairs, station events and during rail confidence trips and at other Pride events this summer.
Download a digital copy of the 200 Stories of Railway Pride booklet here, or contact Karen to request physical copies.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Community Rail Lancashire via their website.
