The City of Edinburgh Council, in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, expresses its support for Pride Month.
The Pride Flag is flying from the City Chambers and the annual Pride March will take place this Saturday (24 March).
Pride Month is an annual celebration that commemorates the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledges the ongoing work that still needs to be done.
Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday met with Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE, the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network, as the flag was raised at the City Chambers.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This weekend our city will be filled with a bit more colour and love in the form of the annual Edinburgh Pride March and Festival. First established in 1994, Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, Pride Edinburgh will ensure the rainbow shines over the capital city. I’m looking forward to taking part.
“Pride month is significant in the city’s calendar each year and a celebration of the diversity, history and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. We hope to help raise awareness of this important month and continue to progress and encourage inclusiveness.
“I’m proud that we will support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and citizens by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers once again. It’s also important to consider the heritage of the Pride movement, which came from protests to address deep rooted issues of discrimination, intolerance, injustice and prejudice that exists and sadly still exists in some places.
“Edinburgh has always been a welcoming and inclusive city – and we’re rightly proud of our thriving LGBTQ+ community.
“An attack on anyone because of their sexual orientation or transgender identity, or their race, religion or disability is abhorrent. On behalf of the Council, I repeat my call for tolerance, understanding and respect right across our city. I hope everyone who is taking part this year has a great time.”
Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE network, said: “STRIDE is the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network. We welcome all colleagues who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supportive allies.
“We are passionate about people being able to bring their whole selves to work, not just here at The City of Edinburgh Council, but across our entire capital city. I would like to thank STRIDE members and supportive allies for their continued contribution over the past year. This vital effort ensures that LGBTQ+ members of our workforce can feel respected and included.
“Council colleagues have been invited to join Edinburgh Pride march this weekend, in support of raising awareness that diversity is valued and celebrated across all our workplaces.
“I’m pleased to let you know that the Council have recently joined Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.
This Programme will promote a more inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. We are committed to supporting the Programme, to embed it within all Council Directorates, in the months and years ahead.”
Find more information about equality and diversity at City of Edinburgh Council