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Brighton Pride ‘Diversity Bus’ named after iconic drag queen

Besi Besemar June 3, 2017

Pride and Brighton & Hove Buses unveil their new Diversity Bus for 2017 – the latest incarnation of the Pride Festival Bus.

The Diversity Bus has been designed to promote and celebrate diversity in all the city’s communities.

Martin Harris

Managing Director Martin Harris, said: “The Diversity Bus not only celebrates Pride and everything it stands for but is a symbol of our broader support for diversity and inclusion in general.

“We have a long history of supporting diversity across sexual orientation, gender race and ethnicity, improving services for disabled people, and welcoming refugees.

“Just days after the terrible events in Manchester, we want to stand side by side with those who work to heal divisions in our society and to support those that are vulnerable in our communities. And to stand by those who oppose hate.

“We’re delighted once again to be launching the bus alongside our Pride partners and hope it can help to promote, support and celebrate the fantastic Pride festival.”

Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp

Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton Pride, added: “We are thrilled Brighton & Hove Buses has rejoined other prominent city businesses to support Pride in our city in this our 27th year. This is an ongoing relationship that includes a dedicated bus and shuttle service from the Pride campsite as well as exciting all-year-round promotional activity with the Pride Diversity bus.”

The bus carries messages of love and celebration and the simple but powerful message #moreincommon, set up in the aftermath of MP Jo Cox’s tragic murder a year ago to demonstrate how much more we all have in common than that which divides us.

The bus has been named in memory of local drag artist Phil Starr who performed on stages across the world for more than 50 years and also raised thousands of pounds for charity. Phil lived his final years in Brighton and was a great supporter of the annual Pride event in Brighton and Hove when he was alive.

Phil Starr
Phil Starr
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