BRITAIN’s first openly gay cabinet minister leant his support to Oxford Pride when he visited the city.
Lord Chris Smith – who served as secretary of state for culture, media and sport in Tony Blair’s first government – backed the event which will run from May 29 until June 7.
The main parade will be held on Saturday, June 6, and volunteers are collecting money to fund the event. Lord Smith said: “I’m pleased to lend my support to Oxford Pride and its great work to raise money for worthy causes.”
Oxford Pride has been held since 2002. This year the parade will start in Ship Street and travel down Cornmarket and Queen Street before finishing at Oxford Castle Quarter.
Lord Smith was one of the first openly gay MPs in Britain, coming out in 1984, a year after he was first elected to the House of Commons. Oxford City Council member Tom Hayes met Lord Smith on his visit on Tuesday.
He said: “We’re lucky to live in an inclusive, open city and Pride plays a huge part in that, raising Oxford’s awareness of LGBT life.”
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