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In June, Mixed Freight Services, along with the rest of the world, recognised LGBTQ+ Pride Month as the four weeks that commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, and a time for the colourful celebration of the fight for equal rights and representation. Businesses around the country have been rebranding, participating in pride to show support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
Mixed Freight Services, working alongside its subsidiary company, Heathrow Rent a Truck, has proudly offered transport services to enable participation in various events that champion tolerance, acceptance, and diversity, including, but not limited to, Notting Hill Carnival, Concerts in the Park, and most recently, Pride 2019, which began in 2004 as a rally around Trafalgar Square, and has grown to attract a staggering 1.5 million people at this year’s parade.
The Western world has indisputably come a long way in acceptance of the LGBTQ community; discrimination remains very widespread, however, and the fight for equality is far from over. Seventy countries worldwide still criminalise homosexuality, eleven of which currently impose the death penalty – but homophobia remains rampant closer to home.
Hate crimes in Britain alone have soared over recent years; this has ranged from verbal abuse to physical violence and, in parts of Europe, much more. It is therefore crucial that we adopt a stance to eradicate prejudice, to champion visibility and advocate equal treatment of the LGBTQ community. As a company, we recognise the importance of providing support for underrepresented groups and we reject the discrimination of individuals based on gender or sexual orientation.
How does a rainbow coffee cup help that?
The rainbow flag, incorporated into business logos, phone apps, food packaging, murals, and more for Pride month, is much more than just colourful stripes; but painting the city in vivid hues sparks curiosity. For every question asked, there is an answer given, and another person becomes enlightened. But it’s even more than simply attention-grabbing and awareness spreading.
Gilbert Baker, founder of the rainbow flag in 1978, designed it as a symbol for the gay community, and each of the original eight colours were incorporated with a deeper meaning behind them. Since then, the flag has been used as a marker of identity for the LGBTQ community and has been waving proudly at every Pride event.
This year, Mixed Freight Services, with the support of Heathrow Rent a Truck, was chosen by our customer to assist with their work for Pride 2019. By supplying six commercial flatbed vehicles temporarily adapted to suit their requirements – in this instance, to enable decoration, each pertaining to a unique theme for the rally – and supported by the professionalism of Mixed Freight LGV licensed drivers, they were ready to take their custom vehicles to the celebrations in London.
Operating from its location on the peripheral of Heathrow, Heathrow Rent a Truck maintains a fleet of commercial vehicles ready for immediate use 24/7 for both short- and long-term hire, in addition to contract options at very competitive rates. Our unique understanding of the needs of companies operating in and around Heathrow and the regulated secure environment enables us to provide vehicles that are fully compliant within the aviation security industry.
With our convenient location and the ample area surrounding our facility, the two companies came together to combine unparalleled expertise in addition to a secure area for the stationing of the truck being decorated for participation in the Pride March. This meant 24/7 access, security, and monitoring. Arguably the highest level of peace of mind available.
Operating within the Mixed Freight group of companies from our 24/7 regulated site, Heathrow Rent a Truck caters to not only the rental needs of logistics companies operating in and around Heathrow, but also of those operating within varied commercial industries. Our unmatched understanding and knack for pragmatism mean we’ll always find a solution. In other words, we know what we’re doing. If you have any specific (or non-specific) rental needs, call Heathrow Rent a Truck on 02088442070 or visit www.heathrowrentatruck.com for more information.