From intention to action: beyond Pride Month
Dr Christopher Owen completed his PhD at ARU, exploring systemic oppression and intersectionality through English literature. He used his knowledge to found Coliberate, a social enterprise that works for long-term change.
Christopher's research examined how cultural narratives can both reinforce inequalities — including racism, sexism and ableism — and act as powerful tools for change.
But this work didn’t stay in academia.
Community support and traning
Even before graduating, Christopher began applying his research in practical settings, supporting LGBTQ+ young people and delivering inclusion training. Early roles with Salford City Council and the charity 42nd Street saw him working directly with communities, as well as developing resources such as the Visible Justice: An LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Handbook.
Christopher’s career quickly gained momentum. In 2021, he joined Manchester Pride as Inclusivity Development Manager, where he worked with major organisations including Starbucks, Hilton and Auto Trader to improve their approach to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
The root causes of inequality
Through his work as a trainer, consultant and educator, Christopher became known for his ability to explain complex systems of inequality — from racism and patriarchy to ableism and heteronormativity — and how they intersect in everyday life.
His work stood out not just for its insight, but for its focus on meaningful, practical change.
In 2025, Christopher took the next step in his journey, founding his own social enterprise: Coliberate.
Driven by his research and experience, Coliberate was created to move EDI work beyond surface-level commitments. Instead, Christopher advocates for a deeper, more transformative approach — one that focuses on co-creation, accountability and long-term social change.
Through Coliberate, he works with organisations and leaders across the UK, delivering training, consultancy and coaching that empowers them to address the root causes of inequality. His clients range from major businesses to grassroots organisations, all seeking to move from intention to action.
His PhD research underpins this work, reinforcing his belief that lasting progress requires systemic change, not symbolic gestures.
Meaningful change
Christopher’s impact extends beyond his enterprise. In response to the 2025 liquidation of Manchester Pride Ltd, he launched the Pay Your Queers campaign, advocating for performers, freelancers and suppliers left unpaid.
By mobilising communities and working with local partners, he became a leading voice calling for fairness and accountability — demonstrating his commitment not just to inclusion, but to justice in practice.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Christopher’s work is deeply connected to his identity and values. His journey highlights the importance of visibility and authenticity — not only in personal success, but in creating spaces where others can thrive.
His message is clear: meaningful change happens when people are empowered to challenge systems, speak out, and be unapologetically themselves.
Social impact
Christopher’s story is one of leadership, courage and innovation. From his time at ARU to founding a national consultancy and leading campaigns for justice, he exemplifies the impact our alumni can have on society.
- Find Coliberate on LinkedIn
- Postgraduate research at ARU