What Pride means to me: Louie's story

In January 2023, I became the chair of the Parkinson's UK LGBTQIA+ affinity group. I have never been involved with any LGBTQIA+ groups in the past but a couple of things happened which made me want to put my name forward for the role. 

Firstly, I was speaking to a close friend who I have known since school (a long time)! She asked me when I made the choice to be gay. I was so surprised she thought it was a choice, like one day I had sat down and thought 'I think I am going to be gay'.

After some reflection, I realised that I don’t actually speak to my friends and family about my sexuality. I have never told them what it was like as a teenager trying to figure out what these feelings meant by myself.

This inspired me to have more conversations about my experiences growing up gay so that the people around me are better informed.

The importance of sharing LGBTQIA+ issues

The second thing that happened was through my role as a Parkinson's adviser. I received a phone call from a gentleman who contacted the charity for support and advice about his civil partner who has Parkinson's. His partner was in hospital suffering from hallucinations and confusion.

When he went to visit his partner in hospital and asked the nursing staff for an update about his treatment plan, the nursing staff wouldn’t give him any information about his partner. 

He went home, collected their civil partnership certificate and took it to the hospital to show the nursing staff. The nursing staff would still not share any information about his partner with him. 

It made me wonder whether the same would have happened if they were a heterosexual couple. The gentleman didn't have the energy to fight this battle but I did and the situation was resolved. 

These 2 events made me realise how important it is to talk about issues people from the LGBTQIA+ community are facing and celebrate our individuality.

People with Parkinson's are already encountering so many challenges, their sexuality and gender identity should not add to that stress. Quite the opposite. It should be a comfort, a link to a support system, a reminder of how proud they should be for being brave enough to be themselves. 

We're here for you and we're proud

Parkinson's UK marching in this year's London Pride parade is a gesture to people affected by Parkinson's from the LGBTQIA+ community that we’re here for you and we’re proud.