No Official Pride Flag To Be Flown But Plenty Of Pride As Community Holds Alternative Celebration.

A vibrant Pride celebration took place outside Romford Town Hall yesterday as residents, community groups, trade unions and political representatives gathered to mark the start of Pride Month and show support for Havering’s LGBTQ+ community.

Although a Pride flag was not flown at the Town Hall this year following Reform UK’s policy of only flying flags associated with the nation, such as the Union Jack and Armed Forces flag, opposition parties ensured the start of Pride Month was marked with a colourful and uplifting community event.

Members of the Havering Aligned Residents Association joined representatives from Havering Labour, trade unions including the TUC, Unison and Unite, alongside members of Kaleidoscope and local residents, to celebrate diversity, inclusion and equality.

The gathering saw music, speeches and rainbow flags fill the area outside the Town Hall as attendees came together in a show of solidarity with Havering’s LGBTQ+ residents.

Carrie from Kaleidoscope told the Havering Daily:

“LGBTQ+ visibility isn’t just about the photo opportunity and a pastry after packing away the flags. At Kaleidoscope we strive to create inclusive and creative LGBTQ+ spaces throughout the year through workshops and an independent film festival. The lack of a Pride flag at the Town Hall is devastating, but it will not erase the LGBTQ+ community in Havering.”

Despite the absence of an official Pride flag, the atmosphere was one of celebration, resilience and community spirit. Residents gathered in large numbers, waving flags, listening to speeches and demonstrating their support for equality and inclusion.

Chair of Havering Green Party Mark Whiley told the Havering Daily: “In the face of heightened media hostility, online abuse and on the streets it is important that the LGBTQ+ community and its allies are both seen and heard in our borough over Pride”, said Mark Whiley, Chair of Havering Green Party. “Havering Greens, many of us LGBTQ+, will continue to be loud and visible champions for LGBTQ+ equality, and in-particular to challenge the push to exclude trans and non-binary people from spaces they use every day and in crisis situations.”

Trade union members stood shoulder to shoulder with community groups, campaigners and residents throughout the event, highlighting their continued support for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.

Dagenham and Rainham MP Margaret Mullane told the Havering Daily:
“This is not the first time Havering Council have stopped the flag being raised to mark LGBT+ History Month, but I had thought, almost a decade on from the first dispute, that councillors elected to represent all residents would be more progressive. I am deeply disappointed to hear of the new ‘flag policy’ emerging from Reform’s administration which doesn’t recognise the shared history, values, culture, or communities who make the borough great.“

Those attending stressed the importance of visibility and ensuring LGBTQ+ people feel welcomed, respected and valued within the borough.

The celebration served as a reminder that Pride is not only about flags and symbols, but also about people, community and ensuring everyone can live openly and authentically.

Havering Aligned Resident Association Diversity and Equality Councillor Stephanie Nunn told the Havering Daily:”We represent residents, businesses and staff, we are inclusive and wish to show support for all groups that have not been treated equally or fairly in the past and stop this pattern of behaviour continuing.“

While the debate over flags at public buildings may continue, yesterday’s event demonstrated that Havering’s LGBTQ+ community and its supporters remain determined to celebrate Pride Month with positivity, dignity and joy.

With music, colour and a strong sense of togetherness, the gathering outside Romford Town Hall marked the beginning of Pride Month in a spirit of unity and celebration that was impossible to miss.

Elm Park Councillor Barry Mugglestone told the Havering Daily:

“I am disappointed that the Reform Administration at Havering Council have refused to fly the Pride Flag, when openly saying they support our armed Forces community. We need to remember that now Lesbian, gay, bisexual personnel are fully integrated and welcome to serve openly in the UK Armed Forces“.

Despite the lack of the official flag flying over the Town Hall, Pride month was celebrated nonetheless by the community with a very festive event in support of all our LGBTQ+ members.

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