June 01, 2020

This is why Pride Month matters

Today marks the beginning of Pride Month. It is an important moment in the global calendar to celebrate the contributions of LGBT people to national life and to acknowledge the incredible achievements of generations of campaigners who have achieved so much.

Due to their efforts, the United Kingdom is one the most vibrant, diverse and tolerant countries in the world.

It is an important month, too, for the Conservative family, as we honour the contributions of our LGBT staff, members, councillors and parliamentarians who have made this Party their home.

In the last General Election, the United Kingdom elected more LGBT Conservative MPs than any other party, in the most LGBT parliament in the world, and we could not be more proud.

The foundations of Pride Month were laid in June to honour one of the most important moments in LGBT history: the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. On the same day the following year it was marked by the world’s first Pride march.

Pride Month will feel a little different this year as marches are postponed due to coronavirus. But, whilst we cannot celebrate side-by-side, we will continue to acknowledge this important period and what it represents.

Freedom lies at the heart of our Party’s values and we will always stand up for the rights of LGBT people to live and love without fear.

So, as we honour this commitment by adding the rainbow to our party logos in June, we wish everybody a very Happy Pride Month.