Representatives from Brighton Pride and Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (B&H LGBT CSF) laid wreaths at the annual Act of Remembrance on Old Steine on Sunday, November 13 to mark the lives of LGBT+ people lost during conflict wars.
Remembrance Sunday marks the day World War One ended, in 1918. A two-minute silence was held to remember the people who have died in both world wars and more recent conflicts.
The ceremony was observed by the Rt Worshipful the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Pete West, and dignatries, religious representatives and citizens of Brighton & Hove including Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton Pavilion, Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, Geoff Raw Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, Cllr Gill Mitchell Deputy Leader of the Labour group on Brighton & Hove City Council and the Queens representative, Mr Peter Field The East Sussex Lord Lieutenant among others.
Prayers were read by The chaplain to the Mayor Rev. Anthea Ballam, Rabbi Dr Andreas Zanardo and the Venerable Martin Lloyd Williams The Archdeacon of Brighton & Lewes.
Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial by representatives from a wide range of city organisations followed by a march past of representatives from the Armed Forces.
Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton & Hove Pride, said: “It is a honour for everyone at Brighton Pride to mark the sacrifices made by so many during the great wars.”
Billie Lewis, Chair of the B&H LGBT CSF, added: “It is important that we never forget the contribution LGBT+ people make to our armed forces and every year continue to remember the those that lost their lives to eventually give us our equality.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Pavilion & Peacehaven, said: “It is always an incredibly humbling experience to pay my respects to those who have died in the service of their country and it is a huge honour and privilege to do so on behalf of the residents of Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”
“We must never forget the sacrifices made by the men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom.”
The B&H LGBT CSF also laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in Hove.
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