Steering committee

Rosie is the Co-chair of Pride in Luton. She was first elected in September 2023. She leads on our social activities and volunteering. 

Jesse is the Co-chair of Pride in Luton. He was elected to co-chair in January 2024. He supports with the Trans+ Admin group and the socials. 

Scott is the Treasurer of Pride in Luton. He was first elected in 2022. He looks after the finances and manages the charities relationships with the Culture Trust and Charity Commission. 

Elle is the Trans+ community lead for Pride in Luton. She leads the Trans+ admin group as well as supporting on work around the Pride Festival and activities run by Pride in Luton. 

Elle was born in Luton and has lived in the area her whole life. Between working at an LGBTQ+ nightclub, taking care of two small children and running her own business, 

Elle is looking forwards to putting her organisational and planning skills to good use while being a positive role model for transgender youth growing up in the are

Shaun is the fundraising and grant's lead for Pride in Luton. He leads the fundraising and grants work for the charity. He also leads on the work we do with Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

Kelsie is  one of the founders of Pride in Luton. She was first elected in 2022 as co-chair. Kelsie works for Luton Sexual Health in outreach. 

Kelsie is passionate advocate for the rights of women, young people and the LGBTQ+ community. An activist who has spoken out at All Party Parliamentary Group meetings, on TV and Radio about issues such housing, mental health and inequality.

Kelsie is a youth and community worker and teacher with over 10 years experience working in charities, for the local authority and the NHS. She is experienced in organising events and engaging communities both in the U.K. and abroad. Kelsie currently works as Sexual Exploitation Outreach Lead at Luton Sexual Health. 

Kelsie is a queer parent who aims to demonstrate that happy families come in all different shapes and sizes and should be celebrated accordingly. As co-chair of the Pride in Luton committee Kelsie hopes the event will not only bring Luton’s LGBTQ+ community together but be an opportunity for education, activism and awareness, as well as a fun celebration!

Ellie is a teacher in Luton and a member of many other groups and charities. 

She is instrumental in the STRAW scarecrow festival each year and plays with Luton's ukulele group.

Ellie along with Natalie is the carnival lead for Pride in Luton.  She also sits on the Pride festival and entertainment working groups 

Natalie is a trainee counsellor and works with young people as a swimming teacher. 

Natalie also volunteers at TOKKO Youth Centre. 

Natalie along with Ellie is currently the carnival lead for Pride in Luton. She also sits on the Pride festival and entertainment working groups 

Sara got involved with Pride in Luton at the early stages to increase her understanding as a parent of a young person who identified as part of the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Sara brings a wealth of knowledge as a registered social worker.

In her spare time Sara enjoys running and can often be found at Park Run on a Saturday morning. 

We welcome members of the LGBTIQ+ community and allies to join our working groups to support the work of Pride in Luton. 

Those on the working groups also make up the steering committee that help drive forward Pride in Luton. Get in touch with  committee@prideinluton.org to find out more. 

Rosie is a huge bundle of energy and heads up Pride in Luton volunteer’s team.  She brings a warmth that immediately puts a smile on your face. 

Rosie identifies as Pansexual and whilst she knew at 16 she was bi, it wasn’t till her 30’s she really knew she was Pan. 

She comes from a large family, and has 7 siblings, 2 of which are gay, so 3 out of 8 of them are LGBTQ+. Having grown up in a supportive family she recognises the strength it can bring to a person.  
 

She fully believe in her mantra of “Never underestimate the power of empowerment”, and this can come in many forms!! Pride being one of them. 

Rosie is one of the registered trustees of Pride in Luton. 

Born in New Zealand, Jesse worked as a navigation officer on cruise ships before recently seeking stability and community here on land. 

Having made lifelong friends while working with people from all over the world, learning about their cultures and customs, Jesse's favourite part of the job was seeing such a diverse workplace come together even in such a high pressure environment.

After trading the ship life for life on land, Jesse now calls Lewsey home and has joined Pride In Luton to help bring our LGBTQ+ community together as Operations Lead, making sure our events are 'ship shape'.

Jesse geeks out on green tech and gardening, both a sure-fire  way to get him talking!

Jesse is one of the registered Trustees of Pride in Luton and founders of Pride in Luton.  

Scott has been a LGBTQ+ activist and campaigner since 2004 when he first went to University in Liverpool. Since then Scott has been involved in numerous campaigns around equal marriage, pension legislation and the rights of those seeking asylum because of their sexuality.

Scott brings a wealth of experience to the team and has worked in education, parliament, national charities, and the civil service. He currently works for Luton Council as their Community Development Manager. In his day role he works to improve the lives of Luton residents through the lense of social justice and equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Scott has set up a number of successful community organisations in Luton and was awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2020/21 in the Love Luton awards for his work supporting Luton residents through the pandemic and the organisation he co-founded, Luton Community Action Group. 

In his spare time he enjoys skiing, baking and theatre. He has a cat called Bellatrix, and has recently married his life partner Paul

Jesse is one of the registered Trustees of Pride in Luton and founders of Pride in Luton.  

Shaun moved to Luton from Portsmouth and is loving the town.  In Portsmouth he volunteered with a local charity setting up safe spaces around the city for people at risk. He also worked as an LGBTIQ+ refugee case worker enabling migrants and refugees get the support they need and most importantly a sense of community. Shaun has a wealth of fundraising experience and hopes to put that to good use and contribute to making Pride in Luton a space for everyone in the town all year round.

As his day job Shaun works as an international policy advisor on LGBTIQ+ rights with a focus on law reform and decriminalisation. He works closely with local groups, movements and networks supporting their agendas for change and inclusion.  It’s a great job working with fantastic people, even if the different time zones are a little confusing at times. 

In his spare time Shaun is found walking his dogs, Bouncer and Mollie, scouring the towns charity shops for a bargain, trying his hand at gardening or debating politics over a pint in the pub.

Shaun is happily married to Ryan who he met in the Philippines some years back and is the reason we are both lucky enough to be in Luton.

Shaun is one of the registered Trustees of Pride in Luton  

This group focuses on the services we deliver as a charity and how we engage with the wider LGBTIQ+ community. 

Kelsie Holdstock -Lead

Elle Holdstock

Shaun Martinez

Jesse Bryce

This group focuses on the monthly social events we hold and supporting with other activities we take part in such as carnival. 

Rosie Bensu - Lead 

Scott Griffwood 

Natalie Ryan

Elizabeth Henry 

Jesse Bryce

This group focuses on the fundraising side of Pride and working with our partners and supporters which make Pride in Luton possible

Shaun  Martinez - Lead 

Scott Griffwood 

This group focuses on the annual Pride in Luton festival which takes place in the summer. 

Kelsie Holdstock 

Scott Griffwood 

Elle Holdstock

Jesse Bryce

Rosie Bensu

Natalie Ryan 

Elizabeth Henry