The Brighton Anti-Hate Crime Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF), drew about 100 people to the Old Steine on Saturday, October 19 to remember those who have been lost and those who continue to be affected by hate crime.
Vigils took place simultaneously in cities all over the country to mark the day the three nail bomb attacks took place in London in 1999 on April 17, 24 and 30.
The LGBT CSF is an independent community forum of volunteers working with the community and statutory authorities to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove.
Speakers from the LGBT voluntary sector, statutory sectors and local political leaders gave speeches and there was a minutes silence.
Hot drinks and biscuits were supplied by the THT Outreach Team
Messages of support were received from Simon Kirby MP, Katy Bourne Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Actress June Brown M.B.E. and Purna Sen Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
To read the messages CLICK HERE:
Rev. Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church opened the Vigil with a prayer, Frances Coates provided BSL sign language and the following speakers each said a few words:
• Cllr Bill Randall – Deputy Mayor Brighton & Hove
• Nancy Platts – Prospective Labour Candidate Kemptown & Peacehaven
• Cllr Geoffrey Theobald – Leader of the Conservative Group
• Caroline Lucas – MP for Brighton Pavilion
• Elly Hargreave – Sussex Beacon
• Gary Pargeter – Lunch Positive
• Dr Sam Hall – Clare Project
• Ed Wheelan – MindOUT
• Jo Rowland Stuart – Regard
• Nick Douglas – LGBT HIP
• Ian Chisnall – Churches Together in Sussex
• Geo Leonard – LGBT Switchboard
• Maurice McHale Parry – Hankie Quilt Project
• Suchitra Chatterjee – Hate Crime Case Worker Sussex Police
• Peter Castleton – Brighton & Hove Community Safety Manager
• Rory Smith – LGBT Caseworker.
The LGBT Community Safety Forum would like to thank Sharon Kent and Graham Stephenson at B&Q Shoreham who arranged for a large marquee to be donated to the forum enabling them to facilitate their outdoor community events whatever the weather.
For more information about the LGBT Community Safety Forum, CLICK HERE:
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