Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the return of Portsmouth Pride today (Saturday 10 June), which will see thousands of people celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a series of activities including a parade, live entertainment and stalls.
The event is organised by local volunteers, commencing with a parade from outside The Briny to the main stage. This year will see road closures in place as more than 1,500 people are expected to take to the parade.
The City MP, who was named one of Attitude’s 101 LGBTQ+ trailblazers this year, will be hosting a public stall at the event, as well as speaking on the main stage following the parade.
Mr Morgan has said the celebrations exemplify Portsmouth as a “city of inclusivity” and showcase the hard work and dedication of local people coming together to volunteer and put on a large-scale event.
While Portsmouth Pride is about the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the City MP will be raising awareness of the challenges still being faced.
Mr Morgan will be inviting attendees to sign a pledge to show support for provide greater mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community.
A recent study by Stonewall found that half of LGBTQ+ people had experienced depression, and three in five had experienced anxiety.
Labour has committed to tackling this crisis by recruiting 8,500 more mental health staff, guaranteeing treatment within a month, and providing access to a mental health professional in every school.
Commenting MP Stephen Morgan said:
“Portsmouth Pride is a vital celebration of the fantastic diversity our city has to offer. The event has gone from strength every year, and I am incredibly proud of the way Portsmouth people come together in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
However, with half of LGBTQ+ people having experienced depression, and three in five anxiety, there is still far to go in ensuring the community can live freely.
That’s why I’m asking constituents to back our plan for bold action to guarantee mental health treatment within a month for all those who need it, by recruiting thousands of new mental health staff”
The action follows Mr Morgan’s question to the Minister for Women and Equalities for greater action on hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, which are a key contributor to the community’s poorer mental health.
Mr Morgan has consistently advocated to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including lobbying for a trans inclusive ban on conversion therapy.
