Keith Taylor MEP sends message in support of first-ever Basingstoke Pride ahead of a visit to the festival.
Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East, has sent his support and solidarity to everyone attending the first-ever Basingstoke Pride celebrations this week ahead of a visit to the festival.
Mr. Taylor, a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT rights, will visit the Pride awareness event at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre on Monday, September 18.
Pride245, the organisation running the festival, was inspired by the story of Michael Dillion, the first trans man to undergo phalloplasty, and formed to promote equality and to celebrate the very best of the LGBT+ communities across the 245 square miles of the borough.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Taylor said: “I am honoured to be invited to join in the festivities at this the first-ever Basingstoke Pride festival. Pride events are vital for ensuring that our towns and cities are safe places where everyone is able to be themselves and love who they love.”
“I want to wish everyone involved in organising the festival, all those attending and the town itself happiness and joy for the upcoming celebrations and I look forward to joining in with them on Monday.”
“As a member of the cross party group for LGBTIQA+ rights in the European Parliament, I understand the importance of protecting the rights of the community, both in my own constituency and beyond.”
“While we know that Britain has made significant progress in stamping out discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, the fight is far from over and people are understandably concerned about the gains that have been made in the face of a Government in hock to a party of homophobic dinosaurs.”
Basingstoke Pride will take place from 2pm on Monday, September 18 at Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Potters Walk, Ground Level, Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke, RG21 7LS