Nick Gibb: Celebrating progress and diversity at Brighton Pride

Pride is an opportunity for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and backgrounds to come together to take a stand for equality.

It is a time to reflect how far society has come, as well as where we have further to go. Ultimately, it is a chance for us to celebrate the love people have for one another.

Brighton is a city that is renowned for its diversity. From its thriving music scene, to its artistic culture – even the array of shops in the Lanes reflect its diverse nature.

As part of this, Brighton has a proud LGBT heritage, often regarded as the unofficial ‘gay capital’ of the UK. Several LGBT charities, publishers and support groups are based in the city. And Brighton Pride is one of the key events in the Pride calendar.

These celebrations across the country have a new meaning for me this year because as well as being a Sussex MP, I have recently been appointed as the Government’s Equalities Minister. I am honoured to take on this new role and I am committed to delivering greater equality for LGBT people. I am determined to root out and challenge prejudice and discrimination wherever its last vestiges remain.

The UK has already come a long way. In 2015, I married my husband who I have been with for over 30 years. Michael and I had no idea what a difference it would make. Marriage for same-sex couples has only been possible recently, but in the first 15 months since we introduced the legislation in 2013 more than 7,000 other couples also exchanged their vows.