VICKEN COULIGIAN

Who are you?
Vicken Couligian

What do you do?
I am a Personal Injury Solicitor for JB Law, Macclesfield

How did you get involved in Manchester Pride?
I used to attend Pride just as a visitor and always came away elated by the feeling of tolerance and openness that the festival fosters. Having been through difficult times coming out, I wanted to give something back to the community and so applied to be a volunteer in 2005. I enjoyed the experience so much that I volunteered again in 2006 and 2007 and will again in 2008, notwithstanding my other commitments as a Board member!

How long have you been a Board member?
I was surprised and honoured to be invited to join the Board in December 2007 and attended my first meeting in January 2008.

What are your aspirations for Manchester Pride?
Having witnessed Pride as a visitor then as a volunteer and now as a Board member, I have realised more and more what a critical role the event plays, not only for the LGBT community in particular, but for Manchester in general. The fundraising is obviously the priority by a long way, and it is wonderful to see the charities who benefit from the money raised put it to good use. But I take particular pride (pun intended!) in the image Manchester Pride portrays to the whole city and indeed the world.

My aspiration is Manchester Pride can become an even more successful example to all through fundraising, education and sheer entertainment!