Havering Council has raised the Progress Pride Flag to mark the start of LGBT+ History Month 2024.
The flag includes all the colours of the Rainbow Pride flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities, a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, and blue, pink and white for transgender people.
The flag raising, which took place this morning (1 February 2024), outside Havering Town Hall, Romford, signals the start of a month of activities to celebrate LGBT+ history.
Nationally, this year’s campaign recognises the LBGT+ community’s contribution to medicine and healthcare in the NHS and other healthcare settings both throughout history and today.
In Havering, the borough’s libraries will be presenting LGBT+ book displays, where residents will be able learn about pivotal LGBT+ figures.
The Council’s LGBT+ Staff Forum will also be running and promoting a number of events and activities, including a staff book club and a talk with Dr Clare Summerskill, producer of the play ‘Gateway to Heaven’ which is based on the experiences of elderly LGBT people in London.
Councillor Stephanie Nunn, Mayor of Havering, said:
“It is a proud moment for Havering to raise the Progress Pride Flag in honour of LGBT+ History Month and show our solidarity and support for the local LGBT+ community.
“This month is an opportunity for us all to celebrate and recognise all the achievements and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
“We are always proud to support any event which brings our community closer together as we celebrate inclusivity, equality and diversity.”