The annual Leicester Pride celebrations kicked off today with a colourful parade through the city centre.
Starting at the Curve theatre, the parade then went up Humberstone Gate, High Street and New Walk before ending in Victoria Park where the rest of the festival is taking place including live music from Sam Bailey and Lisa Lashes.
The event aims to promote diversity and end discrimination against Leicester’s LGBT community.
It is being supported by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), who say evidence shows that many LGBT people experience difficulties accessing mainstream health services, because of fears of being judged and misunderstood.
A number of Leicestershire Police officers and police staff as well as Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service also took part in the parade to show their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Laura Millward, Chair of the Police LGBT Network and co-founder of the 999 LGBT Network, said; “Leicester Pride is a great event and a fantastic way to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT communities within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
Andrew Brodie, Leicestershire Assistant Chief Fire Officer said; “Leicester Pride is a fabulous venue for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service to join our friends from the other emergency services, in demonstrating our commitment to diversity and fighting prejudice.”
Sue Noyes, East Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive said; “EMAS is proud to be part of the Leicester Pride event this year.”
