West Oxfordshire District Council flies the flag for Pride Day 2023

This year's Pride Day is on Saturday 27th May and observes and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents. 

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "I am proud that the LGBT flag is flying here for Pride Day. It's an important day for the LGBT community, and supports our aim to be inclusive Council, making sure everyone is actually feeling involved and part of this community."

Councillor Andrew Coles, Chair of West Oxfordshire District Council, added: "It's really important that we look back at where we've come from so that we can focus on where we need to be. It was only up until the mid-1960s that being gay was considered a mental illness in the UK.

"Although we have come far in the last 25 or so years, considering things like civil partnerships, which then opened the door for marriage equality, we're still not there yet. It's a testament to events like Pride that we have moved to a place where gay and lesbian people now have adoption rights and people can serve openly and be themselves in the armed forces, which is wonderful. 

“It’s great for the whole community to come together and demonstrate what an open, inclusive and accepting place West Oxfordshire is.”

The Council will continue to support the rights of the people, ensuring they are treated with tolerance and respect. People have the right to move forward in equality, being proud of who they are no matter who they love.

The Council also encourages residents to get involved in Pride Day by attending events and learning more about the LGBT community. Witney Pride will be taking place on The Leys Witney on Saturday 27th May from 12pm to 6pm

ENDS