Brighton & Hove Buses, which featured two buses in this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride celebrations, has unveiled a special Pride bus featuring local legend, gay-rights campaigner and self-proclaimed ‘The Oldest Gay in the Village’, George Montague.
Montague, a famous fixture of Brighton & Hove Pride who joined the Parade year after year on his rainbow mobility scooter, tirelessly fought to receive an apology from the government for a conviction for gross indecency in the 1970s. His mission, though ultimately successful, took 43 years. The 98-year-old sadly passed away peacefully at home in March of this year, with his husband Somchai Phukkhlai by his side.
Now, George Montague has been immortalised on an open top bus (fleet number 919) which was unveiled on August 6 and attended by George’s husband.
Somchai said: “This is such a wonderful way to honour George. He loved the Pride parade, and people loved seeing him part of it. Now he can continue to be remembered every year. The bus also runs past my house, so I can now look out for it every day. Thanks to everyone at Brighton & Hove Buses for this overwhelming gesture.”
George’s daughter, Paula Farrow, added: “The Montague family are extremely proud and very grateful to Brighton & Hove Buses for naming the bus after George in recognition of his long life and many achievements. Brighton & Hove Pride was always his favourite day of the year and we know he would have been thrilled to be honoured in this way.”
You can now see George Montague immortalised on Brighton & Hove open top bus 919
