LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 1 Feb, 12noon
RAISE PROGRESS RAINBOW FLAG NEWHAM TOWN HALL In Newham we embrace and celebrate difference and believe that everyone should be treated equally, whatever their race, religion or sexual orientation. In February Newham Council is hosting a series of events to celebrate the positive and valuable contribution members of the LGBT+ community make to the life of the borough, but also highlighting the discrimination and prejudice that some still face. Residents are invited to join councillors at Newham Town Hall in East Ham on Saturday 1 February at 12noon to raise the Progress Rainbow Flag at the start of LGBT History Month.
Newham was the first borough in London to raise the Progress flag, which is made up of colour stripes representing life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony and peace (blue), and spirit (violet). Added to this is a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBT communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used to represent transgender. LGBT History Month is marked during February to coincide with the repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in 1988. The controversial legislation barred local authorities and schools from promoting homosexuality. This year the theme nationally is Poetry, Prose and Plays, in memory of lesbian journalist Lyra McKee who was shot dead at a riot in Northern Ireland in April 2019. Newham’s programme of events will include film screenings, poetry workshops, talks and a celebratory finale event. Full details of events will be available at www.newhamlgbthistory.org Councillor Charlene McLean, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for community neighbourhoods, said: “LBGT History Month is a timely reminder that although much has been achieved in terms of tackling homophobia and transphobia in the past few decades, there is still so much more left to do to ensure that members of the LGBT+ community feel as valued and accepted as the rest of us.”
For further information, contact Monica Thomas at monica.thomas@ newham.gov.uk
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