This Friday certainly won’t be a drag when performer Athena Heart takes to the stage, as part of Dudley’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Athena will be performing alongside up and coming star Liam Price, Birmingham Voices Choir, Kimichi School in Birmingham and local borough schools.

The entertainment forms part of the borough’s first ever International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities. Hundreds of events in over 120 countries across the world take place to mark this significant day within the LGBTQ+ community.

Dudley Council has flown the rainbow flag from the Council House to support the day for the past two years, but this year is hosting its first ever flag flying ceremony in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The theme of this year’s international day is celebrating justice and protection for all.

A short celebration will take place on 17 May at Coronation Gardens at 11.30am, hosted by the Mayor of Dudley. The rainbow flag will be raised above Dudley Castle and the Council House, the event will include short speeches from the Mayor and other invited guests.

There will be a special performance by Birmingham Voices Choir, an inclusive choir created by Wordsley-born Chris Passey and Richard Skilbeck. The choir has toured the UK with Josh Groban and Russell Watson as well as notable appearances on Songs of Praise. The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor said:

"This day is about education, tolerance and celebrating the freedom we have in this country for people to be true to themselves. We’ve supported this day for the last two years by flying the rainbow flag from the council house and I’m really pleased that this year we’ve been able to turn this into an event, allowing us to celebrate this diversity.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the event which runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm. You can register online by clicking here.