LGBT+ rights activist Yve White, who was fundamental in the formation of Isle of Wight Pride, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Yve is the equalities coordinator for UNISON’s Isle of Wight local government branch and was a key organiser of the first Isle of Wight Pride in 2017, an event which achieved genuine social change on the Island.

She has been recognised for her tireless work with Isle of Wight Pride and the union promoting equality and diversity.

Commenting on the award, Yve, 52, said: "It’s all a bit mind blowing and surreal and is the last thing I expected.

"I’ve always been a proud LGBT+ ally and never sought any recognition for myself, so I’m humbled and excited to be honoured in this way.

“UNISON has given me so much encouragement over the years. It’s been incredible to be part of a union that’s so committed to equality and justice in the workplace and wider society.

"In whatever small way I’ve helped to advance these amazing causes, I am truly grateful."

UNISON assistant general secretary for equalities Christina McAnea said: “Yve has been a tireless champion of equality and diversity for many years and it’s an absolute pleasure to congratulate her on behalf of UNISON’s 1.3 million members.

“She was one of the driving forces behind Pride on the Isle of Wight and UNISON is so proud of her.

"Yve's work has helped make the Island a better place for everyone and she could not be more deserving of recognition.”

Yve became the equalities officer for UNISON in 2010, and sits on various regional committees and has been a delegate on a number of occasions at national conferences.

She was selected as the only representative of the South East Region to be part of a delegation to Cuba with UNISON.

In 2016, she became a trustee and founder of Isle of Wight Pride. She was pivotal in gaining sponsorship and fundraising for this event, together with ensuring that all the necessary safety and licensing arrangements were met.

The event attracted 5,000 attendees from the Island and other parts of the UK.

She gained wider recognition for her work in respect of community engagement and the Pride LGBT+ community, receiving awards ‘best ally’ from the Isle of Wight Pride team and an Amnesty International award for ‘suffragette spirit’, one of only two women from the Island to be recognised.

She received a UNISON special achievement award for services to Pride and the LGBT+ community.

As an LGBT+ ally, she has received wider recognition for her activism, attending LGBT+ receptions hosted by the Prime Minister at Downing Street, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Ambassador of Sweden.

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