The Stonewall Riots were a series protests by members of the gay community rising up against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of what is seen as the birth of the LGBT+ liberation movement across the globe. Without the Stonewall Riots, and those brave individuals who stood up and said enough, there wouldn't be Pride events.

It's fitting that this also marks the start of the 2019 Bristol Pride festival and the flag will remain flying for Pride as we both remember our history and those who have fought hard for our rights, and that we still fight on. It's also to celebrate how far we have come and to visibly showcase our community.