Spotlight: Rainbow Flags Flown in Portsmouth and Edinburgh

Each year, there is a growing number of events being organised for LGBT History Month around the UK. During the month we will run a series of spotlight posts on this blog highlighting some of those events and perhaps bringing them to your attention. You can view a list of events (or register and promote your own) by visiting our calendar. Feel free to also join the debate and make new friends on our forum.

While it’s always our duty to look back at the history of our community the Portsmouth LGBT History Month Group has made its own piece of history. For the first time ever the Rainbow Flag is flying proudly in Guildhall Square after a campaign by the group to change council regulations over which flags can and cannot be flown in the city.

After receiving great support from the Leader of the City Council Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, the Rainbow Flag is now being flown throughout LGBT History Month. Steve Ashfield, Chair of the Portsmouth LGBT History Month Group said: “It’s great news that this has finally happened and brings the city of Portsmouth in line with other south coast cities such as Southampton, Bournemouth and Brighton who have been able to fly the flag for some time now. It’s a brilliant way to mark History Month but this isn’t just a triumph for the LGBT Community as other community groups will also now be able to ask for their flags to be flown which is always vitally important when trying to spread awareness of your cause.”

At the other end of the country, the Lothian and Borders Police, which was named Scotland's best employer for lesbian, gay and bisexual people earlier this year, also raised the flag over it HQ in Fettes Avenue to mark LGBT History Month (read more here).