Inspiration award for pride of Arran Michael

Before Michael Gettins set about organising the first Pride event on the island in 2023, there was no obvious LGBTQ+ hub or scene on the island but this year’s Pride drew in more than 300 people.

As well as the parade, 27 local businesses joined in the Best Dressed Window competition, showing support.

Ahead of the Pride events, Michael worked tirelessly to engage followers on social media through the Scottish and UK Pride network, encouraging them to recognise Arran as a warm and welcoming community.

Young people on the island were ambassadors carrying flags and the parade was escorted by three e-bikes, highlighting the ambition to be greener, and mobility scooters for those with mobility issues to allow more older people to take part.

Michael, a member of Age Scotland’s LGBTQ+ Older People’s Group, also tried to involve older people by attending local wellbeing cafes where he led workshops to ‘celebrate and educate’ on equality and inclusion. He also runs the workshops in Arran High School.

As a busy tourist destination, and a popular spot for older people to move to in retirement, Michael recognised the need for community cohesion on Arran.

He was keen to bring people together and reduce the risk of isolation, mental ill health, addiction issues and suicide among LGBTQ+ communities.

Working with a number of partner organisations, including local authorities, the health board, the Equality Network, Police Scotland, the Terence Higgins Trust and local businesses, Michael set about establishing Arran Pride.

Michael said: “I am still fairly baffled at why my name would be submitted, let alone be considered. Receiving an Inspiration Award is still a puzzle.
 
“I wake up each day wondering ‘who can I help today’ and have been blessed with many fantastic opportunities to bring my skills, experience, values and ambitions to some use.

“I am incredibly humbled that people would think what I do is worthy of merit. I love working with people; I learn so much and thrive on making things a little better. I’ve always said I wish I could measure smiles and am delighted to say I have seen many and hope to see many more.”
 
Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: "It gives me great pleasure to present Michael Gettins with this year’s Age Scotland Inspiration Award for establishing the vibrant Arran Pride.

“Michael created an event that is inclusive and celebratory. It has brought the community together in support of LGBTQ+ people of all ages. In a short time, Michael generated partnerships with a range of organisations to ensure everyone feels welcome on the day, which has become a highlight of the island’s summer calendar.

“He put in extra effort to bring older people on board by sharing his experiences and making older members of the LGBTQ+ community in Arran part of the parade.

“Congratulations to Michael, a worthy winner of our Inspiration Award.”