Reading Pride is proud to announce that it has appointed Diane Abbott MP as its first Patron. Diane Abbott who has been an MP since 1987 with a special interest in equality and diversity, having had a career within workers unions before that.
In a statement issued by Diane Abbott she states
I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to become a Patron of Reading Pride. So many towns and cities across the country see local pride events as an important part of their summer calendar - I hope that the next few years brings us greater equality – gay marriage, greater protection for trans people, blood service reform and gay families being seen as as equal and important has heterosexual families. And I hope that by working with Reading Pride we can do our bit to make this a reality.
Reading Pride is proud to appoint Diane Abbott as a Patron, especially one who has been campaigning since the 80's not only for equality amongst issues involving sexuality but equality for the entire community. We hope to work together to form a stronger community presence, both locally and nationally on issues which can change the lives of the many.
Full Diane Abbott Statement
Diane Abbott, Reading Pride Patron.
I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to become a Patron of Reading Pride. So many towns and cities across the country see local pride events as an important part of their summer calendar – and for the first time this year, my own constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington will host its first Pride event in its history.
As a Labour Party politician you would expect me to talk about our fantastic record of improving the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender people. And be in no doubt, this would not have happened under a Tory government. It was Labour that made what was once seen as a 'radical' policy a staplemark of fairness and justice in this country. But we shouldn't get all the credit. Members of the LGBT community were far ahead of many politicians on this issue – campaigning, often in dangerous circumstances, for their human rights and they should be honoured and applauded.
It wasn't easy being a gay rights champion in the 80's but I'm pleased to have backed the rights of LGBT people whenever and wherever I had the opportunity. I hope that the next few years brings us greater equality – gay marriage, greater protection for trans people, blood service reform and gay families being seen as as equal and important has heterosexual families. And I hope that by working with Reading Pride we can do our bit to make this a reality.
Diane Abbott MP