Patrick Allen - Senior Fleet Business Unit Specialist

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is so important to me and many others. It allows people who may feel 'different' to be able to act freely in a space where they know they can be their authentic selves, without any prejudice or judgement.

For me, I came out when I was 18, and was just starting in a new/my first relationship, so the time was getting closer to have 'the talk' with my family. It was one of, if not the hardest thing I have ever done. Driving home from my Grandparents one evening with my mum who knew something was on my mind, but I just couldn't find the right words to say. The overthinking kicked in and all those questions came, like "will they disown me?" "will they hate who I am?". These are unfortunately all too common for people who are trying to 'come out'. After crying for a good while I just said it and my mum, being the amazing woman that she is didn't care. We had a chat and a cry and that was it.

Then the second conversation was with my dad, however that didn't happen as I had planned either as I had also just found out that my brother is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. Turns out my brother came out to my Dad and I came out to my Mum, and then they told each other. I couldn't have asked for a more loving and carefree response to who I was. I am and always will be forever grateful to my Parents and Grandparents for treating me the same way they always have - with love and kindness.

There's a quote from one of my favourite films Love Simon, if you haven't watched it, please do! The quote says "You can exhale now Simon" after he came out to his mum. This has stuck with me so much as you don't actually realise until it's happening how much pressure and fear is inside you until you say those words "I'm gay", then this wave of relief washes over you and all you feel is PRIDE.

The next stage was letting my friends know. If I'm honest I probably already knew what the reaction was going to be, but the fear was still there. Because all throughout my school and college life I would always get the question of 'are you gay?' I would defend myself to high heaven just to fit in/deflect attention. NO ONE was ever going to take MY STORY away from me. I would do it when I was ready and that is what I did.

My friends were and still are absolutely amazing. I will never forget how patient and loving they were when I told them. Again, long chats were had, and things remained as they always were. Care from a loved one is the most important thing anyone can experience/have in their time of need.

For all those that know me, I don't take myself to seriously, I love to dance and just be round genuinely nice people, including all my wonderful friends here at TFS! Everyone is great. They are so welcoming and friendly. You never have to worry about who you are or what your story might be as the culture here is so positive. I have never once felt afraid to be who I am here at TFSUK.

PRIDE - the pinnacle of movement for the LGBTQ+ community started by the riots at Stonewall will forever be a pivotal point for change. I went to my first ever Pride event only three years ago with two of my best friends. This was in Brighton, and I have been going ever since. It is just such a wholesome experience, and to be around people like me is so empowering I feel right at home. It's a great weekend full of joy, love, acceptance and not forgetting, dancing! To have experienced that with my friends is amazing. My parents also went to another Pride event last year on their own which filled me with so much joy.

I shall end with this. Never apologise for being who you are. You are valid, you are loved, you are cared for and will always have acceptance from the people you choose to be around. Don't let anyone take your flame or story away from you. It's now your time to exhale and be who you are.