'Pride is a statement... of love, of visibility, of unity.'

'Pride is a statement... of love, of visibility, of unity.'

Wigan Pride returns to Wigan town centre on 16 August

Ahead of Pride season in Wigan Borough, Councillor Dane Anderton – cabinet portfolio holder for children and families – made the following address at full council on Wednesday 23 July:

Like all authorities across the UK, we’re continuing to assess the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling. But let me be clear: here in Wigan Borough, and in this Labour group, our values haven’t changed.

Everyone deserves to live without fear of discrimination or prejudice - and our zero-tolerance approach to hate remains.

We are committed to building a borough where everyone feels safe, valued, and appreciated. Inclusion isn’t a slogan - it’s the foundation of everything we do. It runs through our Progress with Unity missions and through how we work every single day.

Pride has become a fixture in Wigan and Leigh over the past 10 years - bringing thousands together in joy and celebration. But more than that, Pride is a statement. A statement of love, of visibility, of unity. It tells our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other marginalised gender and sexual identities: you belong here.

And that matters - because being human is our foundation. Before any label, identity, or difference, we are people. All of us trying to make a living, pay the bills, raise families, and find connection. Your neighbours, friends, and fellow Wiganers and Leythers may be gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or non-binary - but they are human first, and they deserve to live in peace and dignity, just like anyone else abiding by the law supporting their community or representing the vulnerable. 

We must lead with love. There is no place for hatred, fear, or division in this borough - not now, not ever. To do so would only take us backwards on many fronts. 

On this side of the chamber, we fully uphold the Equality Act and the protections it provides to all protected characteristics. It’s on each of us to nurture a sense of belonging - not just through policy, but through everyday acts of kindness and respect.

And let me say this clearly: the Government must stop dragging its heels and issue guidance following the Supreme Court ruling. Saying nothing is doing more harm than good. Communities, families, and young people deserve clarity - not confusion.

So today, as we welcome Pride back to both ends of the borough, we proudly reaffirm our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We choose compassion. We choose inclusion. And we choose to build a borough where every person - no matter who they are or who they love - is safe, supported, and celebrated.

Because being human is what connects us. And from that shared humanity, we will continue to build a borough where everyone belongs.

Pride season in Wigan Borough gets underway on Saturday (26 July), with Pride in Leigh at Pennington Hall Park (12pm-9pm) – followed by Wigan Pride on Saturday 16 August in Wigan Town Centre.

Follow the Pride in Leigh event page on Facebook for more information (external link).

For more about Wigan Pride check the Facebook event page (external link) or visit the official Wigan Pride website (external link).