What Pride means to me: Nick's story

I’ve been working at Parkinson’s UK for 4 years in September and I’ve loved every second of it. It's one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.

I’d always wanted to work in charity because I’m very emotionally driven, and my great-grandmother had Parkinson’s so the Parkinson’s community meant a lot to me. I originally came from a corporate background, so now I know that what I do is helping a community, not just lining pockets, which is a huge motivation for me.

A big career highlight

It means so much to me that my workplace values Pride, and being part of London's Pride parade with Parkinson’s UK is going to be a big career highlight for me. I’ve always wanted to walk the parade but this is the first time somewhere I’ve worked has put the effort in to do it.

I celebrate Pride every year. As a gay man, it’s something that means a lot to me. And for me, Pride Month is about remembering what people from the LGBTQIA+ community went through to get to where we are and paying homage to those who fought for that. It’s important to remember that and not take it for granted. 

I'll be marching in this year's parade to express myself and my individuality, but also to be thankful for how freely I can be me. It makes me so happy that the place I work values that too.

Embracing who I want to be 

In the same way that everyone experiences Parkinson’s in their own way, everyone has their own stories growing up part of the LGBTQIA+ community, too. For me, growing up in a very traditional Greek household, boys are supposed to grow up to be a certain way. I never fit into that mould. 

But being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has taught me individuality and to embrace who I want to be. Once I came out, I could forge who I was. 5 years ago, I wasn’t the Nick I am now! That makes me proud to be part of this community.

Sharing a voice

For people with Parkinson’s, no matter what sexuality, race or gender you are, your story is going to be so different to anyone else’s. Something I always get told is how alienating having Parkinson’s can feel. 

If you get diagnosed and you’re from a marginalised community already, I can imagine people feel quite alone, so it’s important to let people in that situation know there are others like them out there.

Being part of the Parkinson’s community means I can give back. I hope I'm helping people feel like they can embrace themselves and feel like they belong. It’s always been important to me that we give that support and provide a space to people who don't always feel like they have one. It’s sharing a voice, isn’t it?