Progress flag raised with Pride in Hertsmere

June is Pride month and we are sending a clear message of support to Hertsmere’s LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Progress flag was raised outside the Civic Offices in Borehamwood today (Thursday 1 June) by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Chris Myers. He was joined by our staff, councillors and colleagues from the NHS, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Herts Fire and Rescue Service, Communities 1st and a representative of Herts Pride.

A collection for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) has raised more than £275 so far, with donations continuing over the month. The AKT supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment and is one of the charities the Mayor has chosen to support during his term.

Pride Progress is an updated version of the rainbow Pride flag, which better represents diverse communities. Pride flags are also being raised in Aberford Park in Borehamwood, Parkfield in Potters Bar and King George Recreation Ground in Bushey.

Mayor Cllr Myers said: “Today marks the beginning of a significant month, and one which holds a special place for me. I am proud to say that I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and that I am the first openly gay Mayor of Hertsmere.

“Pride month is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people and education in LGBTQ+ history. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come. But it is also about raising awareness of issues still affecting the LGBTQ+ community.”

We are supporting the fire service with their local Hertsmere Pride event, which is due to take place at Borehamwood Fire Station on Saturday 24 June between 12 – 3pm. We will also be supporting Herts Pride in August.

Tyson Martin, Chair of Herts Pride, said: “Pride month is about bringing communities together regardless of gender, sexual identity, religion or belief. 

"The theme this year is #TogetherAsOne and we want to provide a safe space to come together to celebrate diversity, love, and equality. 

"We hope to see lots of people at Cassiobury Park in Watford this August to celebrate Herts Pride!"

This year, we are offering rainbow laces to local sports teams across the borough. These were purchased from The Pride Shop, where donations from sales support The Pride Fund – raising funds for Pride events across the UK.

We are offering community grants to voluntary organisations and community groups that celebrate Hertsmere’s diverse communities and promote inclusion across the borough. These groups could qualify for a funding boost of up to £3,000.

Photo caption: Our staff, councillors and colleagues from the NHS, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Herts Fire and Rescue Service, Communities 1^st and Herts Pride holding the Pride Progress flag.