The flag was raised yesterday (28 July) by Andrew Ogden, Director of Law and Personnel and Rebecca Courtneidge, Personnel Officer to mark the start of Gay Pride Festival week in Brighton.
The rainbow flag has become the recognised colours of pride for the gay community. Use of the rainbow flag by the gay community began in 1978 when it first appeared in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. Artist Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in response to a need for a symbol that could be used year after year. Baker and 30 volunteers hand-stitched and dyed two huge prototype flags for the parade. The powerful image is recognised the world over.
Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of the County Council, said: "We are delighted to be flying the rainbow flag during Pride week. The Council is always keen to promote equality for the LGBT community and all three of our group leaders support this demonstration unreservedly. Our work in promoting equal rights in the workplace for the LGBT community has been recognised by Stonewall and we are extremely proud of our standing in their Top 100 employers."
Notes to editors
Pride in Brighton & Hove promotes equality and diversity, and advances education to eliminate discrimination against the LBGT community. It raises awareness of these issues by facilitating and promoting a series of events including Winter Pride and the annual free summer festival. It also fulfils its objectives by making grants and/or donations to other charitable and voluntary organisations.
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