More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A Kent seaside town is throwing its first-ever Pride event today.
The event in Dover involves march, rally and celebration of the town's LGBTQ+ community.
It began at 11am with a parade through the heart of Dover, from the Market Square to Dover's historic Town Hall where there is music, live entertainment and a market.
The parade proved a success - with huge crowds marching through the town's street.
On the event's Facebook page, Dover Pride writes: "Dover Pride is an event for the whole community.
"It is a series of events to raise awareness, support, self-worth, respect, courage and visibility; to reflect on the history, politics and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community."
It also says the event will be single-use plastic free, in an effort to make it sustainable and have a low impact on the town's environment.
Listen to organisers talk about the event
The event gained the backing of Dover Town Council last month, when councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of becoming a partner of the event, and providing it with financial backing.
Deputy mayor Dominic Howden, who recommended the move, said in a report to the council: "By sponsoring and supporting this first Dover Pride, the council will deliver for an important and under-represented group of communities."
The town council's support will mean it is credited as a partner and will have a banner on Biggin Hall, where some activities take place.
Cllr Howden wrote: "All this is in addition to supporting a new event in the town and clearly delivering its legal duties to vulnerable groups in our community."
Organisers of Dover Pride told councillors how members of the LGBTQ+ community still suffer prejudice and discrimination despite the level of laws now in force to protect them.
One group member Emma, said: "A total of 87% report being insulted, pestered, intimidated or harassed."
Cllr Tyler Howell-Bray said: "These are people that face a considerable amount of oppression through ignorance."
Pride is seen as raising the profile of this community and connecting people within its membership.
Emma said: "LGBTQ+ people are invisible, not only to the public but also to each other."
Cllr Howden's report explained that Dover Pride will raise awareness, support, self-worth, respect, courage and visibility while reflecting on the history, politics and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
