Hertsmere Borough Council has marked the beginning of Pride Month by raising the Progress Pride Flag outside the Civic Offices in Borehamwood in a show of support for the borough’s LGBTQ+ communities.
The flag was raised today, Monday 1 June by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Parveen Rani, who was joined by council staff, fellow councillors, and representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Herts Pride, Hertfordshire Based LGBTQ+ charity Impactful Lives, Communities 1st, and Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Cllr Rani said :
“As your new Mayor of Hertsmere, it is a privilege to stand with our LGBTQ+ community – a community built on courage, resilience, love and pride.
“Pride is a celebration but it is also a reminder of those who fought for the freedoms many of us enjoy today. People who challenged prejudice, who stood up when it was difficult, and who believed that everyone deserves to live openly, safely and authentically.
“We are proud that Hertsmere is a borough in which everyone is free to be themselves.”
The council is again sponsoring Herts Pride, with this year’s event taking place at Cassiobury Park in Watford on Saturday, 22 August.