THE start of LGBT+ History Month was marked with flag raisings by several local organisations today.

They included Salisbury District Hospital, Wiltshire Council, and Wiltshire Police.

The flags will fly during the month of February, during which groups will promote equality and diversity by telling stories of the history, lives and experiences of the community.

In Salisbury, the ceremony was held on the hospital’s green.

The event was attended by senior management from the hospital, staff and partners from the community including city mayor Cllr John Walsh, and Very Reverend Nick Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury.

Cara Charles-Barks, chief executive at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said: "Here at Salisbury Hospital we are committed to promoting equality and celebrating our diverse workforce and I am delighted that we were joined by so many partners from across the city”.

Elsewhere in the county, Wiltshire Council also held its own ceremony.

Salisbury Journal: Wiltshire Council marked the start of LGBT History Month by raising the rainbow flag and hosting an event at County Hall in TrowbridgeWiltshire Council marked the start of LGBT History Month by raising the rainbow flag and hosting an event at County Hall in Trowbridge

The event included speakers from the council’s LGBT+ staff forum who gave "impassioned" speeches about the important month.

They spoke about their own experiences, the struggle and accomplishments of LGBT+ activists throughout history and what we can all do to achieve a fairer and more inclusive society free from prejudice and hate.

Councillor Allison Bucknell, lead councillor for staffing equality, raised the multi-coloured flag with Wiltshire Council representatives including members of the LGBT+ Forum attending the ceremony.

Cllr Bucknell said: “Each year we celebrate LGBT+ History Month and raise the rainbow flag to show our clear commitment to Wiltshire Council being an inclusive place for all. As a society we have come a long way but there is always more we can to do raise awareness and show solidarity.

“We hope by raising the flag and celebrating the pioneers who first took up the mantle for LGBT+ rights, we will continue to see positive change and refocus our efforts to address the challenges the LGBT+ community still face today.”

Wiltshire Police was another public body to show its commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.

Salisbury Journal: PCC Angus Macpherson raises the rainbow flag with PCSO Lee Hare, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and PCSO Kate Jackson. Lee and Kate chair the police's LGBTQ staff networkPCC Angus Macpherson raises the rainbow flag with PCSO Lee Hare, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and PCSO Kate Jackson. Lee and Kate chair the police's LGBTQ staff network

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “Wiltshire is a diverse community and it is vital our force reaches out to, and reflects, the communities it serves, which is why I am delighted to be helping to raise this flag.

“I am proud to send this positive and powerful signal to our community - we support everyone’s right to live their life free from prejudice."

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard added: “Diversity is a major focus for us. We celebrate difference, promote diverse and inclusive communities and will continue to challenge prejudice where it exists.

“Raising the flag is a simple, but powerful, gesture. It underpins our commitment to equality for all and I am proud to support this national month of celebration and recognition."