West Sussex County Council will proudly fly the Transgender pride flag from its main buildings to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance this weekend.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held each year on 20 November to remember those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice in the last year.
The day provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect upon their own attitudes towards transgender people, people from other minority communities, and the bullying, discrimination and harassment that some people experience.
Whilst much has been achieved, a lot still remains to be done to ensure the social acceptance of people from minority communities, who research indicates continue to face significant issues such as hate crime, intimidation, humiliation in public, and are at higher risk of self-harm.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Christine Field said: “The County Council is committed to tackling discrimination in the community, within the workplace, and in those organisations that deliver services on their behalf.
“As a council, we commission a Hate Incident Support Service from Victim Support which offers advice, support, counselling, advocacy and other guidance to anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate incident or a hate crime.”
For more information on how to report a hate incident visit the council’s website or email sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk.