The rainbow flag is flying high in Dudley following an event in Coronation Gardens to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

More than 100 people gathered to view performances, hear readings and see the rainbow flag being raised over Dudley Council House and Dudley Castle, with the theme of this year’s international day being celebrating justice and protection for all.

Compere, Trixie, led the event and Athena Heart performed alongside up and coming star Liam Price, In Sound Company and Kimichi School in Birmingham. The new Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, and other invited guests including Deputy Lieutenant Ninder Johal and Reverend James Treasure spoke at the event and poems were read by Alan Parr and Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner.

It was the borough’s first ever IDAHOTB event, a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities. Hundreds of similar events in over 120 countries across the world also took place to mark the day within the LGBTQ+ community.

The culmination of the celebrations was The rainbow flag will fly over the castle and council house until tomorrow. The Mayor of Dudley Councillor David Stanley said:

“Dudley Council is committed to achieving parity for all our residents irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We have flown the rainbow flag from the Council House on this day for the past two years and this year we also held this successful event to show our solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.”