Mendip District Council showed support for the district's LGBTQ+ community by proudly flying the rainbow flag from its offices in Shepton Mallet this week.

A number of Mendip staff and councillors gathered together at the flag pole for a Covid-secure ceremony. Deputy Leader Cllr Barry O'Leary delivered a personal speech in which he described what Pride meant to him.

The ceremony gave staff and councillors the opportunity to reflect on the past 15 months and admire how everyone in Mendip has pulled together as a community to support each other during this challenging time.

Cllr O'Leary said: "Pride Month is our yearly reminder to embrace hope and to strive to be the best version of ourselves. The Council knows that Pride is not just about flying a flag for one day, or one month. It's about inclusivity and we want all residents to know that we are here for everyone, every day.

"Mendip welcomes Pride Month. We raised the rainbow flag and gathered together, within safe government guidelines, because it's important to us. You are important to us. Gay, bisexual or straight, we don't discriminate. At Mendip, we say to our communities that no one will be excluded, and no one will be left behind."

LGBTQ+ Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which began on 28 June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during the month of June to recognise the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world.

Check out LGBTQ+ support organisations working in Mendip and Somerset here: www.mendip.gov.uk/lgbtqplus