Published: Thursday, 16th November 2017

The colours of the rainbow flag lit up Woolwich Town Hall during an event marking 50 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised.

Co-founder of UK Black Pride and renowned LGBT+ activist Phyll Opoku-Gyimah was the guest speaker at the free celebration on Tuesday evening (14 November) which reinforced the Royal Borough of Greenwich's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Deputy Leader Councillor Danny Thorpe gave an inspirational and moving speech about his own experience of coming out and praised the support he received while he was a pupil at Thomas Tallis School.

Greg Ussher, CEO of METRO Charity which receives funding from the Council, spoke about how the charity has grown since it was first established in 1984 and how it provides a safe place where people of all ages can go to meet other gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans people.

Entertainment was provided by Woolwich Rock Choir, Endurance steel orchestra and Plumstead Manor School's a cappella choir.

The audience were also invited to place colourful love locks on a gate to form a Pride rainbow.

The event comes just a few months after the Royal Greenwich's first Pride event, 'Out in the Streets' which included an appearance by Sir Ian McKellen.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader

"The strong and vibrant LGBT community in Royal Greenwich helps make our borough such an amazing place.

"Our event was a celebration of this as well as being a good opportunity to come together and reflect on how far this country has come at a time when unfortunately in other parts of the world lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are still fighting for equal rights.

"It was particularly special that our celebration coincided with Australia voting in favour of legalizing same sex marriage."

Greg Ussher, CEO of METRO

"METRO shares a long history with Royal Greenwich and we were delighted to be part of this celebration.

"Royal Greenwich continues to show its commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ communities - as it has done for over 30 years - and it is one of just two London councils to directly commission services to ensure their views are heard."

Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Co-founder of UK Black Pride and LGBT+ activist

"Greenwich is an outstanding borough which needs to continue to work for the collective voice to ensure that it remains a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community."