To mark the start of its Big Weekend celebrations, Pride Cymru will be proudly hanging flags on and around Cardiff Castle.

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The iconic rainbow flags are a staple over the weekend, but this year, transgender flags will be included on the castle for the very first time.

Taking place on 24 – 26 August 2018, the Big Weekend is a celebration of equality and diversity in Wales, and this year, it looks to be bigger and better than ever before.

With 40,000 attendees expected over the 3 days, one of the many highlights includes a public parade (Saturday 25 August 2018), as well as a line-up of widely known acts including Gabrielle, Derrick Barry and Courtney Act.

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Kate Hutchinson, Pride Cymru’s Trans Community Outreach Officer, said:

“This year, the rainbow flag will not be the only pride flag flying from Cardiff Castle to represent the LGBTQ+ community.

“For the first time, the transgender pride flag of blue, pink and white will fly from the castle alongside the rainbow, showing solidarity for our trans family members and their continuing campaigning for rights that most of us take for granted; the right to have their identity recognised and the right to access essential healthcare.”

The flags will be a sign of support for the transgender community, who often face difficulty in today’s society. Whilst the castle itself is historic, the inclusion of the transgender flag is anything but.

Pride Cymru’s Chair, Lu Thomas, said “Pride preparations are in full swing. We’re delighted that our flags are adorned on our magnificent castle. This year our focus is on highlighting the issues faced by our trans family.

“We are standing shoulder to shoulder to fight the increasingly hostile, and hateful narratives being promoted by bigots, abusers and unfortunately in some depressing cases our elected representatives here in Cardiff and in The Assembly.

“Thankfully these people are a tiny minority, so together with 40,000 people coming from all over the UK and beyond, we are coming together to show that we are a united community and their hate will not divide us, but make us stronger!”

Pride Cymru hope those attending will also show their support and solidarity with the trans community by carrying or wearing a transgender flag next weekend at Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend.