01/06/22: Flying the flag with Pride

Breckland Council is flying the Pride rainbow flag to mark the start of Norwich Pride Month 2022.

The district council is now an official supporter of Norwich Pride, which helps raise awareness of LGBT+ issues in the region. The Pride flag includes all the colours of the Rainbow Pride flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities.

The Pride flag raising, which took place on 1 June at Breckland Council's offices in Dereham, is part of a continuation of events and programmes held by the Council throughout the year to raise awareness within the workplace and wider community of the district as being fully inclusive to everyone and the council as a welcoming employer for all staff.

As well as raising the Pride flag, Breckland Council staff are planning a 'Walk with Pride' in June, holding presentations from LGBT+ groups and will be sharing information to inform residents about the history around Pride and the core themes of inclusivity and support for the LGBT+ community.

Councillor Paul Hewett, Breckland Cabinet member and LGBT+ champion, commented: "I am thrilled that Breckland Council is being so progressive in supporting LGBT+ projects and raising awareness, not only during Pride Month, but 365 days a year. Flying the flag is an important symbol of our solidarity and support for LGBT+ community and plays our part in celebrating the achievements and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people not just nationally, but also locally here in Breckland.

"Over the last 2 years the council's LGBT+ staff forum have been instrumental in reviewing and updating our policies to ensure they are LGBT+ friendly, inviting LGBT+ community leaders to share their knowledge and expertise with staff, and ensuring we have the right skills and procedures in place to help support all of our colleagues and residents."