Rainbow flag raised outside County Hall for the start of LGBT+ History Month

The event included speakers from the council's LGBT+ staff forum and Trowbridge Pride who gave impassioned speeches. They spoke about their own experiences, the struggle and accomplishments of LGBT+ activists throughout history and what we can all do to achieve a fairer and more inclusive society free from prejudice and hate.

Cllr Allison Bucknell, lead councillor for staffing equality, raised the multi-coloured flag with Wiltshire Council representatives including members of the LGBT+ Forum attending the ceremony.

Cllr Bucknell said: Each year we celebrate LGBT+ History Month and raise the rainbow flag to show our clear commitment to Wiltshire Council being an inclusive place for all. As a society we have come a long way but there is always more we can to do raise awareness and show solidarity.

We hope by raising the flag and celebrating the pioneers who first took up the mantle for LGBT+ rights, we will continue to see positive change and refocus our efforts to address the challenges the LGBT+ community still face today.

David Payne, Health Trainer and Chair of the LGBT+ Forum in Wiltshire said: As chair of the LGBT+ Forum I am proud of what we do here at Wiltshire Council to celebrate LGBT+ History Month. This month acknowledges the brave men and women who have got us where we are today.

As a nation we have made great strides in creating a fairer and more inclusive society but unfortunately some members of the LGBT+ community still experience hate and it is so important to show solidarity and raise awareness.

Events like these give us the chance to look at what still needs to be done and with the support of Wiltshire Council and its great diversity ethos we can help achieve this.

This year's theme is 'educate out prejudice' promoting the LGBT+ community in all their rich diversity. There is an exhibition in the atrium at County Hall celebrating the people who have helped change attitudes to LGBT+.

The exhibition also focuses on the issues still faced and the struggles of those around the world. The exhibition runs until the end of February.