LGBT History Month: "People should be free to be themselves" says Plymouth MP
Luke Pollard is the city's first 'out' MP
Plymouth MP, Luke Pollard is the city's first 'out' Member of Parliament, and says people from the LGBT+ community still face discrimination.
Earlier this week, Mr Pollard faced homophobic trolling on Twitter, after posting a photo of himself and his boyfriend to mark Valentine's Day.
Mr Pollard said: "I know that there are still a small number of people in our community, that don't share the same views as I do.
"I think Plymouth is at its best when we can celebrate the contribution that every single person can make, and for everyone to achieve their potential, they need to be free to be themselves.
"I've got a really important responsibility, to make sure that in my work, I'm speaking up for the LGBT+ community in our city."
Mr Pollard thinks LGBT+ History Month is a good opportunity to talk about the progress that has been made whilst recognising that people still face discrimination.
"I think much has been achieved in terms of legislative equality but we've still got a long way to go though."
Mr Pollard also told Greatest Hits about his experience of coming out.
He said: "I'd spent all these years worrying about being able to be true to who I was, and all along the people that I was worried about, were just wanting me to accept who I was myself.
"I was fortunate in that respect, my coming out process was a lot easier than many people have it. There's still a lot of stigma, discrimination and prejudice."