THE PRIDE flag is flying above County Hall this week, showing support for our LGBTQ+ staff and residents.
The flag, which celebrates the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary people, including ethnically minoritised people, was raised to mark this year’s Pride celebrations.
Representatives from East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust gathered to show their support for our LGBTQ+ communities at a special event on Tuesday, July 15.
Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “The Pride rainbow flag serves as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are raising it once again above County Hall to confirm our continued support for equality, diversity and inclusion across all our communities.
“I am delighted to join our colleagues from the emergency services and NHS to show that everyone is included and welcome in East Sussex.”
Jess Dare, Deputy Clinical Head of Service, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Staff across Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust will participate in this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade 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.”
Chief Superintendent Nick Dias who attended the event on behalf of Sussex Police said: “It is a privilege to represent Sussex Police at the raising of the Pride flag alongside colleagues, partners and members of our communities.
“The ceremony reaffirms our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and creating a safe environment for everyone.”
Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews from 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.”
Ben Marlow from the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Vice Chair of the Pride in SECAmb network, said: “It is an honour to be invited to be part of the raising of the Pride flag. As a network we continue to work collaboratively with our system partners to ensure we deliver care with pride, and support our colleagues and the communities we serve.
“South East Coast Ambulance Service will continue to support Pride events across the South East including Trans Pride and the Brighton & Hove Pride parade.”
Eastbourne Pride 2025 is taking place this coming Saturday, July 19, with the colourful Pride Parade setting off at 10am from Eastbourne Pier.
This year’s Brighton and Hove Pride runs on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. The Pride LGBTQ+ Community Parade will travel through the city centre on Saturday, August 2.
Hastings Pride is on Sunday, August 24, with the Hastings Pride Parade along Hastings seafront from 11am, while Seahaven Pride Family Festival takes place the following weekend on Saturday, August 30 on the Martello Fields.