Mayor to raise progress flag in support of Southend Pride week

Southend’s Mayor will raise the progress flag at Porters Civic House on Monday 12 July to mark the start of Southend Pride week.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Margaret Borton, will hoist the flag at Porters Civic House at 10am. The event is invitation only, due to the current restrictions.

After the flag raising at Porters Civic House, the event will move to the Civic Centre, where the progress flag will also be raised up the ceremonial flagpole at 1pm, with masks and social distancing measures in place.

Cllr Margaret Borton, Mayor of Southend, said: “As Mayor, I am delighted to have the honour of raising the LGBTQ+ flag in Southend, to acknowledge and encourage all those who have fought for an equal place in our community.

“Southend is a welcoming and open town, where we wish to encourage everyone to be themselves and take pride in who they are. I hope many people will take the occasion to support and stand in unity with our local LGBTQ+ community.”

Sam Adams, Southend Pride chair, said: “We are all disappointed that Southend Pride had to be cancelled this year, but the raising of the progressive flag at Porters Civic House and the Civic Centre is an important visible message for the LGBTQ+ community, showing that our Council supports diversity and the continuing fight for equality.”

To find out more about Southend Pride week, visit www.southendpride.org.uk. You can follow Southend Pride on Facebook at @SouthendonSeaPride or on Twitter at @Southend_Pride

Published: 5th July 2021

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