Rainbow flag

A RAINBOW flag flew over Lerwick Town Hall on Friday to mark LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) history month.

The flag was donated by Shetland LGBT Community Group and the Equality Network.

LGBT History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of LGBT lives and culture, and the diversity of society more generally.

It is celebrated in many countries around the world, including the UK, every February. This year it coincided with the Scottish Parliament voting overwhelmingly to legalise gay marriage.

Shetland group member Clint Sentance said: “Flying the flag this year is also a recognition of the change in the law toward equality and equal marriage in Scotland, something that is of importance for LGBT people and their families across Shetland.”

As part of the worldwide LGBT history month, Shetland Library has a display highlighting books and DVDs with an LGBT theme, while Shetland College is also promoting relevant publications and electronic resources, and NHS Shetland has produced a leaflet with health information.

Last week Shetland Arts screened the critically lauded film Blue is the Warmest Colour at Mareel, and on Wednesday the cinema will show the acclaimed documentary Les Invisibles.

Voluntary Action Shetland staff at Market House wore rainbow colours for a day earlier in February.