Last week, (Friday 9 May), we proudly raised the LGBT+ Pride flag above County Hall, marking a moment of unity and support for the LGBT+ community.
The event was attended by senior leaders, elected Members, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Dame Suzi Leather, High Sherriff of Devon, Caroline Harlow. They stood alongside members of our staff and the Exeter Pride committee, underscoring the council’s commitment to fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusivity across Devon.
In his speech, the Chair of the Council, John Hart, emphasised the importance of standing together as allies and advocates.
“As a council, we stand here as allies and advocates to foster an environment of acceptance across the council and Devon,” he said. “We encourage our staff and our community to treat each other with empathy and with kindness even when there may be a difference of opinion.
“To everyone here today, thank you for your support, your courage, and your pride. Together, we raise this flag as a reminder that every voice matters,” Cllr Hart concluded.
Our Chief Executive, Donna Manson, expanded on this theme in her speech, acknowledging the work done over the past few years to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the council.
She went on to encourage people to join members of the council at Exeter Pride, to celebrate alongside colleagues from the NHS, fire service, police and ambulance service as a united representation of Devon’s public services.
Dame Suzi Leather DBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, representing the Crown, addressed those present, stating:
“There is joy in Pride; we should take pride in that joy. We are stronger when we can be ourselves. We are more resilient when we are accepted and welcomed by others. I take great pleasure in being here with you today to honour the Pride flag. This flag is not an empty symbol. It reflects a proud history, begun in 1970 in New York following the Stonewall riots. So, as we celebrate, let us also remember the path from 1970. It has not been an easy one. There have been, and continue to be, set backs. Still today there is not equality. Still today we need to stand in solidarity and sometimes to fight again for the values of the Pride movement. Thank you for being here today.”
Alan Quick, founder of Exeter Pride, thanked the Pride Committee for their hard work in organising this year’s event, giving an overview what the activities planned for this year including activities for all the family.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Devon County Council, National Lottery, local businesses, and other donors to making Exeter Pride possible.
Those attending recognise that every person in our community deserves to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. The act of raising the Pride flag shows dedication to these values.
Here is a selection of photos on the day including some taken during the Exeter Pride.
