For the first time ever, Ealing Council is to take part officially at London Pride March which marks the end of June’s Pride month.
On Thursday (1 June 2023) to mark the start of Pride month, Ealing Council staff along with councillors came together for the raising of the Progress Pride flag at Ealing Town Hall by Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor and council leader, Councillor Peter Mason.
The chair of the Ealing Council’s LGBTQ+ equalities group, Peter Matthews said: “The council has a diverse workforce that serves a diverse community and the opportunity to celebrate this diversity under an Ealing Council banner at the London Pride march for the very first time, is very exciting.”
Around 50 staff and councillors will join the London march carrying roundels showing Ealing’s logo in rainbow colours and the borough motto, which will be adapted for the occasion from just “Progress with Unity” to read: “Progress with Unity, Diversity and Pride” in support of the borough’s LGBTQ+ community.
Ealing Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Busuttil spoke of what Pride means to him personally: “Pride is a time when the LBGTQ+ community can come together and celebrate the advances we have made in acceptance and equality. Liberal Democrat led the way in abolishing Section 28 and legalising same-sex mariages.
Councillor Busuttil added: “However, we as a community, are acutely aware that there is still a long way to go before we achieve true equality. Never the less I’m truly proud to live in a society where, for the most part, I am accepted for who I am. Pride is not just for the LBGTQ+ community, it is for everyone who would like to celebrate with us and enjoy themselves.”
Councillor Mason said: “The struggle for equality is at the heart of Pride. As well as celebrating our LGBTQ+ friends, colleagues and neighbours this Pride month, we also stand in solidarity with them, in the knowledge that we can’t afford to be complacent. We want to create and support an Ealing where no matter who you are you can lead a happy, healthy, safe and fulfilled life.”
