Celebrating Polar Pride

18/11/2025

On 18 November, vibrant colours stand out against the stark white landscapes across Antarctica as British teams join global celebrations for Polar Pride. At the very edges of human activity, where ice meets sky and history meets innovation, Polar Pride reminds us that the spirit of inclusion reaches even the most remote corners of the planet. 

Here at UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, we honour not only the explorers and scientists who shaped polar history, but also the diverse communities shaping its future.

The Pride flag flying proudly at Port Lockroy (UKAHT/Laura Büllesbach)

What is Polar Pride?

Polar Pride is an annual celebration recognising LGBTQ+ people working in polar science, logistics, heritage and conservation. It honours the contributions of individuals living and working in some of the harshest environments on Earth, acknowledging that identity, community and belonging matter everywhere, whether in a bustling research lab or a small field hut on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Maggie and George celebrating Polar Pride at Port Lockroy in 2024 (UKAHT/Dale Ellis)

The day celebrates diversity, fosters allyship and opens space for conversations about representation in the polar community. It also allows international teams to visibly express support, flying rainbow flags and sharing stories of LGBTQ+ polar professionals past and present.

"Polar Pride is about visibility, inclusion, and belonging – even in the most remote corners of our planet. At UKAHT, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to polar history, science, and storytelling, and we stand firmly for a future where everyone feels seen and valued. Antarctica may be isolated, but our commitment to diversity and equity means no individual should feel that isolation." – Camilla Nichol, CEO, UKAHT

A brief history

Polar Pride is marked on 18 November every year during the austral summer. This day was designated as the International Day of LGBTQIA+ people in STEM. In 2020, it was selected to mark the 60th anniversary of American astronomer and gay activist Frank Kameny’s US Supreme Court fight against workplace discrimination.  

The RRS Sir David Attenborough flies the Pride flag (Chris Walton/BAS)

Polar Pride was officially launched in 2020 following a collaboration between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and LGBTQ+ staff networks. The movement quickly resonated across the global polar science community, becoming a symbolic moment in the yearly calendar for those working across the Arctic and Antarctic.

While Pride has been marked worldwide for decades, Polar Pride carries a unique symbolism – a reminder that inclusion and visibility are vital wherever people live and work, even in the most distant environments shaped by exploration and discovery.

"Every year, it is always energising to celebrate Polar a Pride at Port Lockroy and raise the Pride flag for the season ahead. We have a rainbow rock at Port Lockroy!" – Lisa Ford, Base Leader

The 2025 Port Lockroy celebrating Polar pride (UKAHT)

The Diversity in UK Polar Science initiative, conceived and funded by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office Polar Regions Department, celebrates existing diversity and takes an important step forward to promote and enhance Antarctic science opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, people from ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities.  

Polar Pride in 2025

Every year, our Port Lockroy team is proud to fly the rainbow flag in Antarctica. Everyone is welcome at our sites, no matter what country they are from, what they look like or how they identify. It is a small gesture demonstrating our ongoing commitment to equality and the inclusion of all people from all backgrounds, many of whose stories might usually be hidden.  

Wildlife monitor Alette hoists the rainbow flag (UKAHT)

"Now, more than ever, it is essential to celebrate that Antarctica is for, all no matter who you are or where you come from." – Amanda Barry, Museum Manager

Why it matters in the polar regions

Life at the poles can be isolating – physically, emotionally and socially. In such small, close-knit communities, visibility and acceptance are powerful forces. Marking Polar Pride ensures that everyone working in these extreme environments knows they are welcome, supported and valued.

We are proud to welcome visitors with our Pride flag (UKAHT)

Celebrating this day at polar bases reinforces a long-held principle: the polar regions are not just places of science, but places of humanity. For the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, this means recognising the broad spectrum of people who continue the legacy of Antarctic exploration. Pride here is not only a celebration – it is a statement. Inclusion belongs everywhere, even on the world’s frozen edges.

"Antarctica is a continent for all. We are incredibly proud to be welcoming visitors with our Pride flag to show everyone how proud we are of the inclusive Antarctic community." – Rachel Wilkinson, Postmaster

As we honour the heroic stories of the past, we also champion a future where every polar story can be told, and every voice can be heard.