Today Portsmouth will host UK Pride – the biggest and loudest celebration of the LGBT+ community our city has ever seen.
I want to pay tribute to the volunteers of Portsmouth Pride who worked so hard to bring UK Pride to our great city.
It is a testament to our city’s reputation of diversity and tolerance, making it a natural home for the UK’s biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Today will be a powerful reminder of Portsmouth’s commitment to safety, dignity, and opportunity for all – no matter who you are, or who you love.
While Pride is a celebration, we shouldn’t forget that it was born out of protest.
I’m proud of my party’s history of championing LGBT+ rights, and I am committed to continuing this legacy. It was Labour governments who:
- Scrapped Section 28 – We removed this discriminatory legislation that sought to silence discussions about LGBT relationships in schools and local authorities.
- Equal Age of Consent – We ensured that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, are treated equally under the law.
- Equality in Goods and Services – We made it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services.
- Carrying Equal Marriage – We fought for and achieved equal marriage rights, allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal recognition as heterosexual couples.
It is therefore also an opportunity to uphold our commitment to protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people to live freely and without discrimination.
Because while progress has been made. There is still so much more to do.
That’s why I’m asking you to back my campaign for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.
Conversion practices are abuse. They have no place in society and must be stopped.
You can show your support for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices here.
As a patron of an LGBTQ+ organisation, I am also aware that many trans people are worried in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling, and this is something I also recognise as part of the community in Portsmouth.
I’ve been meeting local campaigners on these matters and been sharing this feedback with the relevant Equalities Minister.
As a society, we must treat each other with dignity and respect and look after those who are most vulnerable. As your MP I will continue to work every day to achieve that.
Pride flags flying proudly across Southsea Common, and across our city today are a powerful symbol of our community’s values.
I’m so proud to be from Portsmouth – and I know local people will provide such a warm welcome to visitors from all around the world to our great city.
Whatever way you’re celebrating, I wish you a Happy UK Pride!
