Prime Minister Theresa May has sent a message of support to Brighton Pride.
Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby, a fellow Conservative and a Treasury minister in her government, said: “I have been asked to pass on this message of support for Brighton Pride from the Prime Minister.”
Mrs May said: “I want to send my very best wishes to the many thousands who will come together for Brighton Pride this weekend.
“It is absolutely fitting that the UK’s biggest Pride festival should be in a city so famous for its tolerance and diversity.
“Brighton has led the way in campaigning for LGBT rights and equal marriage was brilliantly championed by all three of your MPs – Peter Kyle, Caroline Lucas and Simon Kirby – each from different political parties.
“I, myself, have seen first-hand the important work of the police to support the LGBT community, the great HIV charity Sussex Beacon and Brighton’s moving memorial to those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
“When I stood in Downing Street as Prime Minister for the first time last month, I said that I believe in a country that works for everyone, whoever we are and wherever we’re from.
“We rightly take pride in making Britain one of the most LGBT-friendly places in the world.
“We grieve with all LGBT communities after the tragic and senseless murders in Orlando and we express our determination to defeat all forms of bigotry and violence.
“Together we stand for a future where everyone can enjoy the freedom to live and love openly.
“I know that Brighton Pride will once again inspire us all with its dazzling array of artists and performances and its wonderful celebration of diversity – and I wish everyone involved a great weekend.”
Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: “I am delighted that we’ll be celebrating Pride here in Brighton and Hove again this summer. It’s a highlight of the cultural calendar in the city and something everyone looks forward to.
“In many ways Pride is a symbol of what makes Brighton such a great place to live.
“It’s about celebrating diversity and it sums up the city’s fierce commitment to justice and equality. So whether you’re a resident or a visitor, I hope you enjoy Brighton Pride again this summer.”
The Green Party said that the city-wide celebration was also a chance to reflect and think of people still living in fear because of their sexuality or gender identity.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “The Pride march is something that Greens have been proudly taking part in for as long as it’s been happening in the city. This year we celebrate ‘Uniting Nations’ and I’m thrilled Greens, once again, will be showing our solidarity with the LGBT community locally, nationally and internationally.
“Against the backdrop of the terror attacks in Orlando and rising hate crimes post-Brexit, it’s fantastic to be able to put our energy into a positive celebration of the LGBT community.
“Pride provides the opportunity to showcase the values of Brighton and Hove and welcome visitors from all over in a spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness. Let’s make our entire city proud.”
Local party co-chair Davy Jones, who will be joining Green councillors on the community parade, said: “Pride is an incredibly important day for our city and a chance for us all to celebrate the achievements of the LGBT groups across Brighton and Hove.
“It’s also a chance for us to recognise the amazing work of charities and campaign groups who do so much to make this city a beacon of hope and tolerance on an international scale.”
