THE RAINBOW flag is flying over Rugby to commemorate this weekend’s Warwickshire Pride event.
At a short ceremony today (Friday August 16), Coun Derek Poole joined Clara Wicks, a trustee of Warwickshire Pride, to raise the flag at Rugby Town Hall.
Coun Poole, Chair of Rugby Borough Council’s Equality and Diversity Steering Group, said: “After flying the rainbow flag over Rugby for the first time in February for LGBT+ history month, we are pleased to fly the flag again to commemorate the Pride festival taking place this weekend.
“Rugby’s LGBT+ communities are valued and respected, and it’s important to fly the rainbow flag to show our support.”
Clara Wicks said: “The Warwickshire Pride festival is the highlight of the year for LGBT+ communities in Warwickshire, and as a Rugby resident I’m thrilled to see Rugby Borough Council give this clear expression of support.
“Warwickshire Pride is pleased to be working with the council and would encourage other councils to consider working with us in a similar way.”
The Council and Warwickshire Pride have adopted a joint action plan aimed at making sure LGBT+ communities in Rugby feel safe and supported.
The plan includes flying the rainbow flag on key dates, training council staff and other public sector agencies, and providing support services and safe places for LGBT+ communities.
The plan was drawn up in response to a survey, published in March, which indicated Rugby is ‘not a friendly place’ for LGBT+ people. Almost half of participants said they had experienced hate in Rugby due to their sexuality – well above the national average of 21 per cent.
Warwickshire Pride takes place in the Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, from 11am to 6pm on Saturday (August 17). Visit www.warwickshirepride.co.uk for more information.
