The 16th International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was marked by Barking and Dagenham Council with a flag-raising event at Barking Town Hall.

The rainbow flag was flown over the Town Square at midday on Friday, 15 May to mark the date (17 May) in 1990 when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Cllr Lynda Rice, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Diversity said: We’re very proud to be marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia by flying the rainbow flag to show our support for the LGBT+ community.

“We recognise all the struggles and campaigns that have taken place across the world, that have paved the way for greater equality for everyone. In Barking and Dagenham, and around the world, progress is being made by brave activists to ensure LGBT+ people can live freely, without discrimination.

“The lockdown has given us a lot of time to reflect on our lives, and what’s really important to us. We’ve made so much progress, but we can still do so much more together, as one borough, one community.”

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