The National Assembly for Wales will take part in Pride Cymru this year as part of its continuing commitment to involve diverse and underrepresented communities in its work.
The Assembly bus will be on-site at Cooper's Field in Cardiff, helping visitors find out who their Assembly members are through its #KnowYourAM campaign, which has seen thousands of people learn more about who represents them at the Senedd.
In addition to raising the rainbow flags across the estate, Members and allies of the Assembly's LGBT network, OUT-NAW, will join the carnival procession through Cardiff and the Senedd will be lit up in rainbow colours for the whole weekend.
The National Assembly recently rose to third position in the UK in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index, and is the top Welsh Public Sector Employer for LGBT staff for the third year running.
"I am very proud that the National Assembly will once again be represented at Pride Cymru and I hope that everyone taking part this year enjoys the celebration of diversity that this event brings," said Elin Jones AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales.
"I believe it is important that the Assembly leads the way in promoting an inclusive organisational culture and that it is a modern, accessible parliamentary body with which people from a diverse range of backgrounds can easily and meaningfully interact.
"Involving diverse communities in the work of the Assembly is a key commitment of ours as we believe more voices can only contribute to a better, more rounded legislature, which truly represents all people in Wales.
"It is incumbent on us as the National Assembly for Wales to share our experiences, ensuring that the values of equality, diversity and inclusion are respected and practiced by all.
"Our recent third place in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, and top Welsh Public Sector Employer for the third year running, was also an immense source of pride to us and reaffirms our belief in continuing to promote and encourage equality in the workplace."
Pride Cymru takes place on Saturday 13 August in Cooper's Field, Cardiff.
On the same day the National Assembly rugby team will be taking part in the LGBT-friendly Enfys 7s tournament at nearby Blackweir Field in Cardiff.
In the past year, the National Assembly has undertaken the following work to make the Assembly a more LGBT-friendly place to work:
- To improve trans-inclusive facilities for visitors and staff, gender neutral toilets have been introduced in the Senedd, Pierhead and Ty Hywel;
- The Outreach bus regularly visits Pride Cymru and Swansea Sparkle to engage with the LGBT community and to encourage democratic engagement;
- Use of social media to promote LGBT equality and to show our commitment to LGBT History Month, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and Bi Visibility Day;
- An LGBT Allies scheme within the Assembly, where non-LGBT staff can show their commitment and support to LGBT equality;
- Promotes LGBT equality internally, through inclusive staff policies, LGBT-specific training and awareness-raising; and
- There is a senior LGBT champion and a number of senior Allies within the Assembly who promote LGBT equality internally and externally.