DUDLEY Council has been flying the rainbow flag to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and has today released a video of a celebratory event held in Dudley yesterday.
The council marked IDAHOBIT with a small-scale event in Coronation Gardens yesterday (Monday May 17) which people can now watch on YouTube.
Invited guests gathered to hear from key speakers and watch the rainbow flag raised on the Council House and Dudley Castle to increase awareness of the persecution suffered by LGBTQ people around the world.
People can watch the entire event on YouTube, complete with performances by Trixie, who compered the event, a contribution from West End star Kieran Brown singing Come on in from the Outside from Taboo and two poems read by Dudley Youth Council members.
Councillor David Stanley, The Mayor of Dudley, said: "Dudley Council is committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation and promoting good relationships between people from diverse backgrounds within the rich and varied communities which make up our borough.
"I was thrilled to host Dudley’s first ever event to mark this special day on May 17 in 2019, sadly and for obvious reasons we were unable to meet together last year but I am delighted that (albeit in much smaller numbers due to Covid restrictions) we have been able to recognise this important day.”
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said of the event: “Although due to Covid restriction numbers had to be restricted it was great to see people come and support such an important event. Cllr Shaun Keasey has put a lot of time and effort into pulling this event together along with colleagues.
“Being different can be a force for good; and being different can make the world a lot more interesting. Most prejudices are products of fear, and fears arise from a lack of understanding and knowledge. This is why I like to talk about difference in a positive way rather simply being against something, in this case homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
“There has been tremendous progress in the United Kingdom, but we are still on a journey, but around the globe, millions continue to be persecuted simply because of who they are.”
He said events such as this send “a message of solidarity and allows us to celebrate difference and move the narrative away from one that can label individuals as victims to one that recognise people as equals if not leaders".
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