Sunderland landmarks lighting up for Pride Month

Landmarks across Sunderland are lighting up to mark the beginning of national Pride Month.

The Northern Spire bridge, The Beacon of Light, Keel Square, Hylton Castle, the white lighthouse at Seaburn, Fulwell Mill, Market Square and High Street West will all be lit up in the colours of the rainbow flag from dusk on Tuesday 1 June.

Pride Month is a celebration of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LGBT+) diversity in the city, recognising the acceptance of same-sex marriages and legal protections for gay couples and families. It also highlights the need for anti-discrimination laws and transgender rights among other LGBT+ related causes.

Taking place throughout June, Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The protests that took place in New York on 28 June 1969 helped change the rights for LGBT+ people across the globe.

The monuments will be lit up in the colours of the rainbow flag, which is the symbol used at Pride events. The flag represents LGBT+ identity and solidarity, with different variations being used worldwide.

The Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Diversity Champion, Cllr Claire Rowntree, said: "Pride Month is an incredibly important time in which we can all celebrate the LGBT+ community. Lighting up our city's landmarks is just one way in which we can send out the message that we support all our residents, celebrate diversity, and promote equality.

"Unfortunately to this day there are people within the LGBT+ community who still suffer from homophobia, transphobia, and other hate crimes based on who they are. Sunderland City Council has zero tolerance to discrimination and will continue to fight for the rights of LGBT+ people throughout Pride Month and beyond."