Dudley Council is appealing for photos of residents with the rainbow flag to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

A compilation of people’s photos with either the rainbow flag, or their interpretation of the flag in a drawing or other art form will be used in a video tribute to mark the day.

The rainbow flag will be raised at the council house on Monday May 17 in unison with buildings around the world to raise awareness of the persecution suffered by LGBTQ+ people. With government Covid-19 restrictions still in place, the raising of the flag for IDAHOBIT in Dudley will be made publicly available to view on the council’s YouTube channel in the afternoon of May 17 via its social media platforms.

The video will also include vocal performances and speeches as well as residents’ photos with the rainbow flag. Kevin O’Keefe, Chief Executive of Dudley Council, said:

"We will be raising the rainbow flag once again on both the Council House and Dudley Castle on May 17 in a united stand against the oppression of LGBTQ+ people around the world.

"Please help us mark this important occasion with your creativity and send us your photos, which we can include in our video tribute. Once again, we must remind people to adhere to the current Covid-19 guidelines and avoid gathering in large groups to keep everyone safe."

Photographs can be submitted by email or directly through the council's social media platforms. For more information on coronavirus advice visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.