By Grace Gomez, PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer
Summer is always an exciting time for all of us at PACT, and one of the highlights of the year is being part of Brighton Pride.
As PACT’s Adopter Diversity Engagement Officer, I’m incredibly proud to represent our organisation at Brighton Pride each year.
For me, Pride is more than a celebration – it’s a chance to connect with people and have meaningful conversations about how adoption can transform the lives of children and families.
One of the things I love most about attending is having conversations with individuals and couples who may be considering adoption for the first time. It is incredibly moving to think that a conversation at Pride could be the first step on someone’s journey to parenthood and providing a safe, stable and loving home for a child who needs one.
PACT has a long-standing commitment to supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, 29% of the parents who adopted through PACT identified as LGBTQ+, highlighting the important role LGBTQ+ adopters continue to play in providing loving, permanent homes for children waiting for a family.
Additionally, we’re proud to partner with New Family Social, the UK charity run by, and for, LGBTQ+ adopters, foster carers and special guardians, to raise awareness of adoption and support more people on their journey to parenthood.
As part of my role, I have the privilege of connecting with LGBTQ+ adopters and hearing their inspiring stories. Many of our families remain involved with PACT long after their adoption journey is complete.
Through our family fun days and other events, we have the opportunity to come together, celebrate the families that have been created through adoption and build lasting connections. It is always wonderful to see families return to Pride events, often with the children they once hoped and dreamed of welcoming into their lives.
Brighton Pride is also a fantastic opportunity to challenge some of the myths that still exist around adoption. Many people are surprised to learn that there is no such thing as a “perfect adopter”. Children waiting for adoption need families from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences. What matters most is the ability to provide a child with love, stability, understanding and a lifelong commitment.
As we celebrate Brighton Pride 2026, I am looking forward to meeting new people, answering questions and helping raise awareness of the many children who are still waiting to find permanent families. Whether you have been thinking about adoption for years or have only recently started considering it, we would love to talk with you.
If you’re at Brighton Pride 2026, please come and see us on the PACT stand. Whether you’re curious about adoption, considering growing your family, or simply want to learn more, we’d love to chat with you, answer your questions and share how adoption can change lives.
I wish everyone a fantastic Brighton Pride 2026. I look forward to celebrating with you, hearing your stories and having meaningful conversations about how, together, we can help more children find the loving homes they deserve.
Happy Pride! 🌈💜
