Proud (with Nicola Hendy)

Feeling proud to be LGBTQ+ can sometimes come with many layers and complexities. For a community of people who are still discriminated against just for their very existence, it can be hard to sometimes ignite that sense of pride in one's self. However, the coming together of that community in one large group can stoke a sense of pride in place of the adversity put upon them by wider society. 

That is of course, the basis of all Pride marches that we see across the globe - to allow LGBTQ+ people to come together in their shared experience and remind decisionmakers as well as the wider public of the pursuit for equality and inclusion. That was the aim of those who organised Wales’ first ever Pride march in 1985. 40 years ago a small group of students came together in Cardiff to take a stand against the hostility that existed towards the community and show their sense of pride in one another.

Now four decades on ITV Cymru Wales has produced an hour long documentary called Proud which looks back at that historic day. In what is a beautifully produced programme, that can make you laugh and cry at the same time, it shares the stories of the LGBTQ+ people who have lived through that time and the trials and tribulations they’ve faced along the way. 

On the latest ITV Pridecast, Liam chats with Nicola Hendy who is bringing Proud to our screens. Nicky, who is a Producer and Director at ITV Cymru Wales, tells the story of how Proud came about and some of the inspiring people she has interviewed who make up the programme. She also shares the importance of remembering those LGBTQ+ people who have fought for our liberties and how those rights are being tested today more than ever. 

Joining Liam to co-host this episode is Carl Edwards, a journalist and presenter for ITV Wales. As well as his day job, Carl works hard to champion and promote diversity and inclusion within ITV and seeks to provide greater opportunities for people of all backgrounds to get into the media.

• Proud is available to watch on both ITV1 Wales and ITVX from 9pm on 17th June.