Hundreds of people turned out for Gloucester's first ever gay pride march. The event was organised in memory of barman Jody Dobrowski, 24, from Stroud, who was murdered because of his sexuality last year in London.
Amanda McGrath, a Gloucester Green party spokesperson, who was holding the Gloucestershire Green party banner said: "This is a hugely positive event - all about promoting acceptance of our diverse community and putting an end to the discrimination like homophobic bullying in our workplaces and schools. Greens would like to see this become a regular part of Gloucestershires' calendar."
Cllr Philip Booth, a Green party Stroud District councillor, who was also amongst the marchers said: "We applaud the County Council for it's support of this event - the first ever gay pride in Gloucester - we may indeed be the first County to fly the rainbow flag at our Shire Hall. Certainly next year I would love to see all 6 Gloucestershire District Councils flying their flags in support of this day."
Several hundred people listened to speeches on the steps of Shire Hall before setting off on a march through Gloucester city to end up at the Coach and Horses pub in St. Catherines Street. The party continued in the garden there with stalls and an evening event.
Peter Tatchell, the leading gay human rights campaigner and Green Party member, had to drop out from making a speech in Gloucester as he was invited to make the keynote speech in Toronto at the International HIV-AIDS conference on the same day. He sent a message to Gloucester saying: "I am very disappointed that I will not be at the first gay pride in Gloucestershire - but I hope to come to Gloucester later in the year."
Philip Booth spoke at the march, to one of the three gay Iraqis who had to flee their own country as hardline insurgent groups started targeting gay men, many of whom have been murdered on account of their sexuality. Philip Booth said: "Our government regularly deports gay and lesbian asylum seekers who have fled jail, rape and torture to countries where they face jail or worse just for their sexuality. It is time we saw action by this Government."
Philip Booth said: "The recent Europride in London saw over half a million people march and the Royal Navy were officially amongst the marchers there - but more change is needed. It is events like this day in Gloucester that can help enormously."
Cllr Philip Booth, a Green party Stroud District councillor, who was also amongst the marchers said: "We applaud the County Council for it's support of this event - the first ever gay pride in Gloucester - we may indeed be the first County to fly the rainbow flag at our Shire Hall. Certainly next year I would love to see all 6 Gloucestershire District Councils flying their flags in support of this day."
Several hundred people listened to speeches on the steps of Shire Hall before setting off on a march through Gloucester city to end up at the Coach and Horses pub in St. Catherines Street. The party continued in the garden there with stalls and an evening event.
Peter Tatchell, the leading gay human rights campaigner and Green Party member, had to drop out from making a speech in Gloucester as he was invited to make the keynote speech in Toronto at the International HIV-AIDS conference on the same day. He sent a message to Gloucester saying: "I am very disappointed that I will not be at the first gay pride in Gloucestershire - but I hope to come to Gloucester later in the year."
Philip Booth spoke at the march, to one of the three gay Iraqis who had to flee their own country as hardline insurgent groups started targeting gay men, many of whom have been murdered on account of their sexuality. Philip Booth said: "Our government regularly deports gay and lesbian asylum seekers who have fled jail, rape and torture to countries where they face jail or worse just for their sexuality. It is time we saw action by this Government."
Philip Booth said: "The recent Europride in London saw over half a million people march and the Royal Navy were officially amongst the marchers there - but more change is needed. It is events like this day in Gloucester that can help enormously."
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