Rainbow flag raised outside County Hall to mark LGBT History Month

The start of LGBT History Month was marked at County Hall in Trowbridge with the raising of the rainbow flag and a display in the Atrium.

Allison Bucknell, Wiltshire Council Chairman and lead councillor for staffing equality, raised the multi-coloured flag with Wiltshire Council representatives including members of the LGBT Forum attending the ceremony.

Cllr Bucknell said: “Raising this flag is a fitting way to mark our clear commitment to Wiltshire Council being an inclusive place for all. Our society has come a long way through the years but there is always more to do and this is one way to mark the progress and vow to continue ensuring equality for all into the future.”

David Payne, Health Trainer and Chair of the LGBT Forum in Wiltshire said: “As the chair of the LGBT Forum I am delighted to celebrate LGBT history month. It is important as it acknowledges the brave men and women who got us to where we are today and gives us a chance to see what still needs to be done. With the support of Wiltshire Council and its great diversity ethos we can help achieve this.”

Zac Goodman, LGBT staff network member added: “I am entirely thankful to my LGBT predecessors who have enabled me to grow in a generation with significantly fewer struggles than themselves. This month provides an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge their incredible accomplishments for the LGBT community and to review and act on challenges we still face, locally and internationally.”

To mark the month, there will be an exhibition in the Atrium at County Hall with information on LGBT issues. The exhibition runs until the end of February and focuses on this year’s theme of geography.