Manchester’s LGBTQ+ communities came together for a special evening as Wagamama in St Peter’s Square revealed its new signage which sees the LGBT rainbow flag replaced with the LGBTQ+ progress flag, clearly displayed across its front exterior.
The progress flag, designed by artist Daniel Quasar in 2018, includes black, brown, pink, pale blue, and white stripes to represent marginalised groups in the LGBTQ+ community as well as the trans community, and those living with HIV/AIDS. The new design also celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ community and calls for a more inclusive society.
Kelly Lithgow, Head Creative Content at Wagamama said, “At Wagamama radical inclusion sits at the heart of everything that we do. Acknowledging, celebrating, and warmly welcoming everyone no matter their identity, is a commitment we’re restlessly dedicated to. We believe Pride shouldn’t just be acknowledged during one single month of the year, but every day, all year long. Which is why in 2018 we installed the rainbow flag as a visual statement that our restaurants are a safe sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community.
Now four years on, it’s time that we updated the sign to better reflect every community we’re proud to celebrate, work alongside and serve noodles to. We couldn’t be prouder to be partnering with Youth Pride MCR to replace our previous flag with the progress flag. Reminding all on-lookers that every being has the right to love who they want, and to be who they are.”
Wagamama has also donated £5,000 to Youth Pride MCR, a project by Manchester Pride which aims to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. Youth Pride MCR facilitates fun and educational workshops in safe and accessible spaces, providing young queer people with opportunities to have fun and connect with like-minded individuals across the city.
Isobel Stainsbury, Engagement Management at Manchester Pride commented, “It’s so important for young people to have a safe and nourishing place to celebrate and explore their identity with like-minded people. The generous donation from Wagamama towards Manchester Pride’s Youth Pride MCR initiative goes a long way to help ensure we can continue to deliver our fun and educational workshops for younger members of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.
Working with the younger members of our communities, I see first-hand the remarkable difference Youth Pride MCR workshops have in forging friendships, promoting better mental health and seeing young people thrive as a result of embracing their uniqueness.”
To find out more about Youth Pride MCR click here.
