The lessons from the Stonewall Riots are more important than ever, the chairman of the council’s equalities committee has said.

Today marks 54 years since the New York Police Department stormed the Stonewall Inn, sparking a protest and marking a key part of the gay liberation movement.

While police raids on gay bars at the time were common, on that night members of the city’s LGBTQ+ community decided to fight back.

Labour councillor Leslie Pumm, who chairs the equalities, community safety and human rights committee, said that the anniversary is an opportunity to remember progress made for LGBTQ+ rights, but also the steps that still need to be taken.

He said: “It is important now more so than ever to not only remember the battles that LGBTQ+ people fought to gain the rights that we have today, but that we are aware of the battles LGBTQ+ people are fighting both in this country and across the world.”

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Cllr Pumm also paid tribute to Brighton’s queer community and reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ venues, as well as praising the work of LGBTQ+ charities across the city.

He said: “As Pride Month comes to a close in our city, I am personally wafer to take part in the city’s Trans Pride parade.

“As an administration, we are aware of the bold and beautiful effect that the transgender community has on our city’s culture and I am committed to making Brighton and Hove as safe as possible for our trans siblings.”

A parade for Trans Pride Brighton will march through the city on July 15, calling for equality for transgender people.