The West Lothian region is hosting its first-ever gay pride march this Friday, July 31.
Over 800 people are expected to attend the event that will start at 12pm at the Howden Park Centre and will finish outside the West Lothian Civic Centre.
The march has been organised by West Lothian Council’s Community Youth Services in conjunction to the LGBT Youth Scotland’s local group Glitter Cannons.
Jane Drysdale from West Lothian Council’s Community Youth Services speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News said: “Usually we hire a bus and take the young people to pride events in Edinburgh and Glasgow and then I thought ‘Why don’t we have our own pride march?’
“Hopefully it will become an annual event which will get bigger and bigger.
“This is the first time a pride march has taken place in West Lothian, and therefore it is a ground-breaking and historic event.
“The event is to help break down barriers and help the wider community see that the LGBT people are just the same as everyone else.”
The event, which will feature an open-top car draped in the rainbow flag, is supported by various LGBT voluntary organisations and charities like Stonewall Scotland and Gay Men’s Health that will be holding information stalls on the day.
Gay Men’s Health’s Project Lead, Chris Salt, said that the march it’s a “a great achievement for the area” and that the charity is “proud to be supporting the first ever West Lothian Pride.”
He added: “We are looking forward to coming along on the day and being able to speak to members of the community, to offer advice, information and guidance on any issues that may be concerning them.
“Pride celebrations are increasingly becoming inclusive events for the entire community and it’s always good for us to meet and speak with, the families and friends of the LGBTQI community.”
Aimed to raise awareness to the many struggles LGBTI people face daily, the first West Lothian Gay March will celebrate equality and inclusivity with live music, entertainment, performances and information.
Organisers welcome all members of society to take part on the march and help to spread a message of acceptance and unity on what is promising to be a day to remember.
Speaking to the Linlithgow Gazette, Councillor Angela Moohan, who represents the area on the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council Board, said: “I’m delighted that West Lothian history will be made when we host our first ever Pride event on Friday.
“I hope local residents will turn out in force to join in the celebrations and show their support for our LGBT community.
“With around 800 people already planning to attend, the first West Lothian Pride event promises to be a vibrant, inclusive event for everyone, not just the LGBT community.
“We also hope the event will also raise awareness of the issues that can be faced by LGBT people, and promote greater understanding among the community as a whole.”