Driving with Pride in Portsmouth

As Stagecoach proudly gears up to support Portsmouth Pride on 7th June—with our iconic Pride Bus bringing colour, games, and celebration to the city—we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible people who help drive our values forward every day.

One of those people is Grant Baker, a much-loved bus driver and Customer Service Champion at our Portsmouth depot.

Grant has been part of the Stagecoach family since 2014, and he brings more than just professionalism to his role—he brings his full self. A proud gay man, Grant has shared the last 22 years with his husband, and his journey to self-acceptance is both moving and inspiring.

Before joining Stagecoach, Grant served in the Royal Navy, enlisting at just 16. At that time, being gay was not accepted in the military. It was a difficult period that forced many—including Grant—to hide who they truly were. "I did everything I could to appear 'normal' in the eyes of others," he reflects. "But it wasn’t who I really was inside."

After leaving the Navy, Grant began to rebuild his life and embrace who he was. “It took time,” he says. “I lost some friends, but I gained something far more important peace of mind, self-respect, and love.”

With the support of his now-husband, Grant came through those early challenges with strength and pride. Today, he’s not just a driver—he’s a role model for inclusion, kindness, and living authentically.

“Pride is there to remember the past, but also to move to the future,” he says. “It’s about honouring those who paved the way and standing tall for those who still need a voice.”

As we roll into Portsmouth Pride, Grant reminds us that visibility and representation matter—on our streets, on our buses, and in our teams.

“To anyone thinking of joining Stagecoach, I say go for it,” he says. “No two days are the same. The views are always changing, and the people you meet—both passengers and staff—make every day unique.”

This Pride season, we’re proud to celebrate Grant and every member of our diverse, passionate team. Come find us and our double-decker Pride Bus at Portsmouth Pride on 7th June—let’s celebrate together!