THE PROGRESSIVE Pride flag was flown over Bexhill Town Hall this week to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT Day).

IDAHOBIT Day, on Tuesday, May 17, draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

May 17 is significant as it is the date of the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

The Rainbow flag has been updated to the Progressive Pride flag, which encompasses not only lesbian, gay and bisexual but also trans, people of colour, intersex people and others.

On Tuesday, Rother District Council officers and councillors were joined outside the town hall by staff from Rother Voluntary Action as well as Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance members to indicate their support. 

Lorna Ford, Chief Executive Officer at Rother District Council, said: “It’s very important we show our continuing support for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

“As well as celebrating diversity in our district, flying the Progressive Pride flag sends out a clear message that all forms of discrimination are unacceptable to Rother District Council.”

To find out more about local support available, visit the Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance website

Published: 18th May 2022