We are looking forward to our LGBT Pride party on West Street beach tomorrow (Saturday August 10) starting at 5pm. However, sadly, the event is not supported by all Watchet residents.

We have been asked the following: “Surely there is no need for a Pride party because Watchet is a friendly place with only one person who has displayed homophobic behaviour, so surely such events should be confined to big cities?”

Our answer is that the person who committed this hate crime is not the only homophobe in town. Facebook exchanges have revealed several who have voiced aggressive and disrespectful views.

Secondly, a Pride event helps people to “come-out” because it creates a supportive atmosphere. We have witnessed several examples of this since starting this project.

LGBT people still fear ridicule at home, school, college, the workplace and in social settings, and Pride events help people to express with confidence who they truly are.

Pride events should not be confined to Bristol, London and other big cities. Why deprive LGBT people and their supporters in rural areas the opportunity to say no to discrimination and yes to equality?

Finally, Pride events bring people together in a spirit of peace and friendship linking with the wider values of race and gender equality.

For these reasons and more we are holding the event.

Pete Stevenson, Chairman, Watchet Pride Group.