Dartford will mark Pride Month by flying two flags above the town.

A Pride flag raising ceremony will be held at the War Memorial in Central Park, Dartford, at 11am this Saturday.

Guests will include Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite, Cllr Calvin McLean, who is leading on the council’s activity around Pride Month, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Dartford, MP Gareth Johnson, leader of the Labour group Cllr Sascha Gosine and leader of the Independent group, Cllr Sue Butterfill.

The short event will see a flag raised and a few words spoken by those in attendance.

Another flag will also fly at the Civic Centre.

Pride Month celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans communities.

Councillor McLean, lead member for equalities, cohesion and society, said: "Monday marked the start of Pride Month 2020. Usually, at this time communities would be remembering the history, celebrating the progress society has made and promoting the incredible contribution of our LGBT+ communities through events and activities.

"However the global pandemic has meant a very different approach this year.

"As we do with so many other events, Dartford council is supporting Pride Month and wants to involve as many of our citizens, partners and local stakeholders as possible.

"We will be raising the Pride flag over the Civic Centre to mark the start of the month and will raise a similar flag in Central Park.

"We will also be reaching out via social media to highlight the part our local LGBT+ community is playing alongside so many essential worker heroes.

"We also want to celebrate not just our LGBT+ community, but their supporters, parents, family and friends.

"Pride is about communities coming together in celebration, unity and shared values. It’s part of our council’s wider determination to ensure everyone in our community – regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, orientation or any other wrongful prejudice – can enjoy equality and respect.

"This year, it's especially important that we reflect on what unites us. We have events planned throughout the year – some new, some well-established – from St George's Day to the Festival of Light and inaugural events from Pride to Black History Month.

"These aren't about some of our community – they are about our whole community.

"We would really like your help to demonstrate what we already know; that Dartford is united against all forms of prejudice. Please do get in touch if you would like to take part."

You can find out more at www.dartford.gov.uk/pride-in-dartford

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