THE PRIDE flag is flying above County Hall in Lewes this week, showing support for equality and diversity.

The flag, which represents lesbian, gay and bisexual people, trans people, LGBTQ people of colour, and others, was raised to mark this year’s Pride celebrations.

Representatives from East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust gathered to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community at a special event on Tuesday, July 16.

Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “The rainbow flag serves as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. We are delighted to be raising it above County Hall to show our support for Pride and our commitment to supporting equality and diversity in our communities.

“People should know that no matter how they identify, they are included and welcome in East Sussex.”

Sussex Police’s Chief Superintendent Rosie Ross, the divisional commander for East Sussex, said: “As we raise the Pride flag we celebrate diversity and demonstrate Sussex Police’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for everyone.

“This flag is a symbol of unwavering support and dedication to diversity, inclusion and equality for all.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews, who attended the event on behalf of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Flying the Pride flag provides an opportunity for us to show that we are here to support our diverse communities and also promote and support the diversity of our own workforce.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will be supporting a number of Pride events this summer, across East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, promoting community safety and standing proudly with the communities we serve.”

Jess Dare from the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust said: “Staff across Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust will participate in this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade as well as other Pride activities across Sussex to demonstrate that we are an inclusive NHS care provider.

“Pride is an important reminder of why we need to continue to foster an inclusive environment within the Trust for our colleagues and our patients. Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust proudly serves the whole community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and without discrimination.”

Garrie Richardson, Chair of the Pride in SECAmb (South East Coast Ambulance Service) network, commented: “We are proud to have joined other organisations in raising the Pride Flag. This was a demonstration of our steadfast commitment to stand with the LGBT+ community and show our solidarity visually.

“We support our LGBT+ staff and members of the community throughout the year and we are pleased to have been asked to support this annual event once again.”

Eastbourne Pride 2024 is taking place at Princes Park this coming Saturday, July 20, along with Trans Pride Brighton which this year will take place in four venues across the city.

This year’s Brighton and Hove Pride takes place over the weekend of August 3 and 4, with the Community Parade passing through the city centre on Saturday.

Seahaven Pride will be happening on the Martello Fields in Seaford on Saturday, August 24, while Hastings celebrates on Sunday, August 25, with a seafront parade starting at 11.00am followed by the Hastings Pride Festival from 12.00noon.