The fabric of London is a celebration of our city’s great diversity.
Representing 287 ethnic groups and nationalities speaking over 300 languages, London is one of the most diverse communities in the world. And every single day, Transport for London brings all of London together.
We’re using the most famous canvas of all to breathe life into real stories of connection – the iconic TfL seating material found on every bus, Tube, tram, Overground and DLR train.
Irene
‘Fish fingers were no match for Mum’s Jamaican oxtail soup‘
I’m a Jamaican born right here in London. I grew up in a predominantly white area. This meant when I played hopscotch on the street, it had to be where my parents could always see me.
Even though I had its challenges, I loved my childhood. I was fortunate that I was able to mix with other cultures. My dad said that you got to mix with everyone; that’s how you grow in the world.
The schools were mostly white, so being a Black kid meant I really stood out at school. I was teased and poked at, called names. But a few of the white girls didn’t stand for that. We became tight friends. My Jamaican heritage was of genuine interest to them. They were fed up with eating bangers and mash and fish fingers and wanted to know what we ate. So they used to come over to our house for my mum’s famous oxtail soup.
A lot of my Black friends didn’t mix with white people. We were socialising with Indians, Greeks, Jews, and people from other parts of England. Everyone knew each other. And respected one another. Mum seemed to connect with everyone through her cooking.
Kelly
‘Camden helped the real me to come out.‘
Being a Londoner is central to my identity. To me, it means having a feeling of belonging but also a sense of autonomy, too. You don’t have to follow the crowd if you don’t want to.
Growing up in Romford all those years ago meant it wasn’t easy being different. I couldn’t come out to my wider community. So I guess I really found myself in Camden Town. I must have been 16 at the time. The place typified the openness and diversity you can now find right across London. It felt so edgy and cool with the whole punk thing going on. I guess it was a safe space for me to be free. And not only feel accepted but feel good about who I am.
I remember the haircut like it was yesterday. I felt this sense of relief and freedom as they gathered my hair up and cut it. What I saw in the mirror actually reflected who I am. I thought that this is how I see myself. When Mum saw it, she really loved it. She was like, okay, she’s gay. I think she thought I was really brave to do it because it was such an open statement about my queer identity. She told me not to give a damn about what people think. I knew that that was it, no going back. And I’ve never grown my hair since.
Jamie
‘Everyone is different but we’re all on a journey’
Okay. So my life hasn’t exactly been conventional. After leaving home at 16, I was living in my car for bit. All the while coming to terms with my sexuality. If nothing else, all those early life experiences taught me to persevere.
After 14 painful years in a wheelchair, I had to then undergo an amputation. My life was suddenly transformed. A prosthetic leg allowed me walk. And run. Within six months I was on a blade. Obstacles became challenges. Challenges, targets.
I have now run two London marathons. They are very special events. We all rock up together on TfL, from every walk of life. And as we clock up the miles we make special bonds. We’re each on a personal journey, but all trying to get to a better place.
My goal is to be a role model for young people, which is also one of the reasons I went into teaching. I understand some of the challenges kids face. So I’m also a firm advocate for social justice and equality. Seeing so many people come together for the marathon inspires me to help others. It just feels like a very London thing to do.
Bridget
‘Nothing builds warm friendships like a cold dip.’
London is so accepting. No one judges you, or looks at you in a strange way. That’s really important when you’re trying to feel good about yourself postpartum. That’s why I love our Mamma Swim club. Just going for a dip with like-minded, new mums does wonders for your mental and physical health.
We meet every week at the West Reservoir in Hackney. I usually cycle (or sometimes I jump on the Tube to Manor House). It’s our safe space. So you’ll find a real mix of women there – from all backgrounds and cultures. Along with this incredible feeling of serenity and peace. And by taking turns to watch each other’s babies, it means you can totally relax. Yeah, it can get cold. But that’s when you wetsuit up. The water kinda energises me, gets me moving. But it’s the warmth of the group that builds me up.
The reservoir is surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for escaping full-on London motherhood. Even for twenty minutes or so. Helps me recharge. It’s just wonderful reconnecting with nature, too.
Shauna
‘London lets everyone be who they want to be.’
We didn’t really know what we were doing. It was a very posh club. Lots of people from uni were there for my friend’s graduation. So we just grouped together and hoped for the best. They played a bit of EDM and R&B, a mix of everything really. And I kept trying to get the DJ to play a certain song, but he wasn’t having any of it.
I mean, it might not have been the best club. Probably not somewhere I would go to again, if I’m honest. But we still had just such a nice time. I remember everyone was respectful. No one was stepping on your feet or anything like that. Everyone was free to just do their own thing.
I’m British Indian, London-born and raised. And my crowd of friends is mostly East Asian. But I also identify as bisexual. And everyone is ok with that. That’s the London I’m so proud of. Because London gives you opportunities. New places to go and discover. And you can fit in anywhere.
Kelly
‘London makes me feel included, like attending my first Hindu wedding.‘
Belonging is really important to me. It doesn’t mean everyone has to be the same. Just accepted for who they are as individuals. As a queer person, being a Londoner is central to my identity. The openness and diversity allow me to be free. Who I want to be. Without judgement.
It’s also such a rich cultural and artistic space to explore. And the bus enables me to go anywhere I like, when I like. There’s so much on offer; there’s always something different to do.
The diversity of my friendship groups is very precious to me, too. The life experiences they give me are truly wonderful. Like going to a Hindu wedding. It was so beautiful and moving. The couple exchanged gorgeous flower garlands to symbolise their eternal union. It kind of reflects how I feel about London. Would I have had this experience if I weren’t living here? Probably not.
Alem
‘The way to this man’s heart was through a tea cup.‘
I remember walking into the office on my first day. It felt somewhat chaotic. The place was full of people, with hundreds of computers on the desks. Fortunately, they were a friendly bunch and helped me to settle in.
There was one girl who stood out. Ah, Natalie. She was also very friendly. We ended up chatting on a daily basis. Yeah, we seemed to just get on. I happened to mention that I was a tea person because I do really love my tea. So when I used to arrive at my desk every morning, I’d always find a teabag and a biscuit carefully wrapped in a tissue. After a while, we ended up seeing each other after work. I just felt really comfortable with her and not shy at all.
We became close in a very short space of time. So Natalie started taking the Tube with me to my favourite tea shop in the West End.
That was five years ago now. And we’re still together. And still going on tea-buying trips on the Tube. I believe fate played a big part, as Natalie was just about to leave the company when I joined.
Together, we are the fabric of London. You can view translations of some of these stories here.
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