Michael Gunning marched with Bentley’s BeProud network at Manchester Pride in remembrance of the victims of the 2017 arena bombing, which he survived. (Bentley Newsroom/ Olgun Kordal)
Swimmer Michael Gunning, who survived the Manchester Arena bombing eight years ago, has marched in the city’s Pride parade to honour the victims.
Twenty-two people died and hundreds more were injured at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as people were starting to leave the gig.
Gunning, the first out gay athlete to represent Jamaica, was at the concert but escaped unhurt. The incident influenced his decision to come out, and on Saturday (23 August), he attended Manchester Pride in memory of all the victims of the bombing.
A man reacts as he view floral tributes, messages and candles in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 24, 2017, left as tributes to the victims of the May 22 terror attack at the Manchester Arena. (CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to PinkNews, Gunning said: “This tribute was so important and special to me because the 22 people who lost their lives that night deserve for their stories and spirits to be remembered. It was my way of honouring them in a space filled with life, colour and resilience, showing that love will always outshine hate.”
“One of my highlights of the day was interacting with the crowd as everyone was so full of joy, and seeing generations of families lining the streets was incredibly moving.
“I had the option to sit on the car if I felt too overwhelmed, but I was in such a bubble of love and energy, I didn’t want to stop and felt deflated when it was over.”
In an interview with I Love Manchester before the event, he said: “I’ve been waiting eight years for this moment. This will be my first time marching at Pride. To be doing it in Manchester, after everything that’s happened here, feels deeply significant. It’s about honouring those we lost but also showing how far I’ve come.
“Manchester has always shown me love. From the tributes after the attack, to the anniversaries, to strangers reaching out, people here care. I couldn’t go to the One Love [benefit] concert [in June 2017], I wasn’t mentally ready but I felt the spirit of the city. Togetherness is what Manchester does best.
“This city knows what it means to come together in the face of tragedy. Pride is an extension of that, a space where everyone can truly be themselves.”
Michael Gunning, who survived the Manchester Arena bombing, marched in the city’s Pride parade. (Bentley Newsroom/ Olgun Kordal)
When is the Manchester Pride candlelit vigil?
Pride weekend isn’t over yet, and many will be attending a candlelit vigil that will take place on Monday (25 August) from 9pm to 10pm in Sackville Gardens. In partnership with George House Trust, the event aims to bring together LGBTQ+ communities and allies to remember those lost to HIV.
The OutdoorLads, a group for the LGBTQ+ community, will meet at 7.30pm before walking to the gardens for the start of the vigil. The event is open to all, with no Manchester Pride wristband required.
Candles will be available for a small donation to George House Trust, a charity providing support and advice to people living with HIV.
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