FOLLOWING a decision by both Wokingham town and borough councils to fly a rainbow flag for Pride, a local councillor has launched a campaign for businesses to join in.
Newly-elected town councillor Lizzie Bishop said by taking part, shops and offices would be showing the world that Wokingham is an inclusive and welcoming community.
The Pride event is coinciding with a one-day festival taking place in neighbouring Reading on Saturday, August 31.
Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall has given his backing to the flag-flying: at last month’s council meeting he told councillors that the council welcomes diversity, recognises the interests of minority groups and the importance of enabling equality for all.
He told The Wokingham Paper afterwards: “I am encouraging everybody to express themselves as they want to and I’m delighted to support Pride and the equalities movement.”
Cllr Bishop said that the initiative had been receiving a groundswell of support.
“We’ve had a lot of support for this from right across the community”, she said. “Not just from younger people, but from parents, grandparents, and some of our church leaders.
“Some of our local shops and cafes will be joining in by putting a rainbow flag or sticker in their window.
“A vinyl sticker costs less than a pound on the internet, and shows your commitment to a welcoming and tolerant Wokingham.”
This year is an important one of the Pride movement, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising which sparked its creation, and groups across the country are honouring five decades of activism.
And Cllr Bishop said that the Pride events aim to take a positive stance against discrimination and violence, promote rights equality and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance in all communities.
The Reading event has a theme of Love Unites.
The day begins with a parade from Broad Street Mall from 11.15am. This goes down Broad Street, into Market Square and Forbury Gardens before heading along Napier Road and the Pride site by the River Thames.
Businesses and groups are welcome to take part, but asked to register in advance.
Inside the Kings Meadow arena, guests will be able to enjoy a day-long concert with acts including the Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band, Eleanor Knight, an Elton John Tribute, Sam and the Gang and Harroland.
There will also be a marketplace with stalls from community and support groups and businesses.
For more details, log on to readingpride.co.uk
