Councillors, religious leaders and council employees stood in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community as they marked the 14th International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia with a flag-raising ceremony at Barking Town Hall.

The rainbow flag was flown over Town Square at midday on Thursday, 17 May to mark the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

There was a short speech from Councillor Lynda Rice, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Diversity, as well as from two youngsters who shared their experience as trans people in the borough.

Jace Naeem told the crowd: “I wish to one day be able to wake up and throw on a shirt on or be able to talk to someone without feeling shame about my voice.

“I want to walk down to the bus station without people looking at me and asking if I am a male or female.”

Riley Marks said: “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and for me that was my friends, family and my community. I was so glad I found people who cared about other people.”

After the ceremony, attendees were encouraged to sign a pledge against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, and a number of members from the LGBTQ+ community told of their personal experiences of discrimination in a ‘human library’, inside the town hall.

Create a place where everyone is able to enjoy their life

Cllr Rice said: “We are proud to fly the flag and show our support to all people regardless of their gender or sexuality.

“We have come so far but there is more we can do and together, as one borough, one community, we can create a place where everyone is able to enjoy their life, free from discrimination and hate.”

Launched in 2004, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is celebrated in over 130 countries worldwide.

Residents are encouraged to sign the pledge and it will be on displayed in the town hall until Friday, 25 May.