RAINBOWS flew through Winchester yesterday as more than 100 youngsters turned out for Hampshire's first Pride march.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from across the county showed their colours in a parade from Winchester University down the High Street.
They were joined by heterosexual allies and local well-wishers to celebrate the end of LGBT History Month.
Crowds of around 150 heard speeches from Joy Carter, the university’s vice-chancellor, Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Roy Perry and Moira Smyth, of the council’s LGBT action group.
Southampton Gay Men’s Chorus performed to round off the day’s festivities before a post-Pride party at the Railway Inn.
It was the result of months of work from the university’s Spectrum Network and Hampshire County Council’s LGBT employee group.
Organiser Amy Franks, a second year student, said the turnout was “incredible”.
“I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support we had," she said.
“People were really responding well to it, cheering us on and giving us high fives.
“Before I came to uni I didn’t know any other LGBT people. It was really nice to be able to come to an environment where it was really welcoming and friendly and had a community there to support me.
“The uni’s fantastic. They give us a lot of support.”
Now organisers are eyeing an even bigger annual event after positive reaction from the public.
But they want to ensure the Pride spirit lasts all year round.
“We want to create a stronger LGBT community throughout Hampshire and Winchester,” Ms Franks added.
The university’s LGBT society has around 50 dedicated members.
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