The rainbow flag will fly high above two iconic Dudley landmarks later this month to help promote equality for all.

The flags will be raised as part of a special event to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Residents are invited to attend the event which will take place on Coronation Gardens (opposite Dudley Council House) on Tuesday May 17 at 11.30am. People will be able to watch performances, hear readings and see the rainbow flag being raised over Dudley Council House and Dudley Castle.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Anne Millward will lead the event which is a celebration of sexual and gender diversities.

Hundreds of events in over 130 countries across the world take place to mark this significant day within the LGBTQI+ community. Councillor Millward said:

"This day is just a small reminder that people across the world continue to live in fear of expressing their sexuality and gender freely.

"Holding this event and raising the rainbow flags gives us a chance to focus people’s minds on the issues of those who face discrimination.

"I am proud to be part of Dudley Council which encourages people to live their lives as they wish without prejudice. I hope people will come along and join us in celebrating diversity."