A lesbian couple who both serve as corporals in the RAF have been appointed as representatives for Manchester Pride.
Civil partners Jo and Elle Kirk-Harris, who have a one-year-old son, will raise the profile of Pride in the RAF and the profile of the RAF at Pride.
The couple are both junior non-commissioned officer suppliers in the RAF and are based at the Royal Air Force Coningsby, in Lincolnshire.
They have been in a civil partnership since August 2008 and have a one year old son. Elle is to be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.
Jo, 33, said: “This is an exciting year for Manchester Pride with it being their 21st birthday and it is a great honour for both of us to be able to be a part of these celebrations as active serving members of the RAF.”
Elle, 27, added: “We have both been attending Manchester Pride since 2005 and have been involved in various events throughout the years, in particular the Military Pride exhibition which was launched in 2008.”
Jackie Crozier of Manchester Pride said: “I’m really excited about the prospect of having Jo and Elle working with us, and I’m confident that their message of equality and diversity will inspire others.
“I think it’s so important to support our troops; in fact, I have a family member currently serving in the RAF and I know all too well the commitment and dedication they put into their work.”
This year’s event will be held in late August.