Updated: First ever LGBT Day makes history in Llanelli.

Updated 14-08-2015.

Despite the threat of rain, thunder and lightning Llanelli made history today by hosting it’s first ever LGBT day.  The event run by West Wales LGBT (a group set up by parent organisation CETMA) was set up to encourage Llanelli to become a tolerant and equal town.

The event was well supported by local MP Nia Griffith, Assembly member Keith Davies, the Llanelli town Mayor and Deputy Mayor (Mrs Shahana Naajmi and Chris Reed respectively) as well as a delegation from Plaid Cymru which included Helen Mary Jones and Sean Rees.  Other attendees included former Council Leader Mary Gravel and the present Leader Emlyn Dole who were all kind enough to give individual speeches on the importance of diversity, tolerance and understanding in Welsh towns and rural areas.

In a statement released today (14-08-2015) MP Nia Griffith said:

” I am very pleased to support this first ever Llanelli Pride event, and would like to thank all those who have helped to organise it. Although we have come a long way in terms of statutory rights for LGBT people, there is still a lot to do here at home to tackle issues like homophobic bullying in schools and in the workplace, and we should also be using the UK’s influence to challenge discrimination elsewhere in the world.

Helping to entertain the crowds on the day were Corrin Casini from the Honeybuns as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, local folk singer Gareth Cornfield, a face painter, local poet Rhea Phillips, a street entertainer and a visit from 2 minions for the children.

Other organisations attended the event which was well supported by Time to Change Wales, Age Concern, Llanelli Music Scene, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (Llanelli) and Dyfed Powys Police, Walking Well, Chris Pine LGBT Helpline and Carmarthenshire Wildlife Walks.

Also in attendance were some of the cast and crew from ‘Boy meets Boy’. This was the first Gay drama programme set and filmed around Llanelli and showcased the Gay Llanelli dating scene.

S4C also filmed the event and interviewed the event organisers and other attendees for the Welsh language Heno current affairs tv programme.

Visitors to the event were good natured and the crowd was generally happy throughout the day with no negativity being shown whatsoever.

One elderly visitor stated that he had been trying to organise an event like this in the town for the last thirty years, but had been unsuccessful and that he was pleased to see this event really well attended.

Fun was had by all throughout the day with Alison Thomas and Huw Davies being voted Miss and Mr Llanelli LGBT Day 2015 respectively, their price being having their picture taken and published in the West Wales Chronicle.

Carmarthenshire wildlife walks later reported to us that they did receive one negative comment on their Facebook page from Jacqueline Galliford who was unhappy that they had publicised the event as a show of support for West Wales LGBT.

“I am really struggling to see the justification for this type of post on a Carmarthen Wildlife Walks page????”

Mrs Galliford later posted on the LGBT Day event page:

“Couldn’t believe this when I read the post put by Carmarthenshire Wildlife Walks this morning.  People are People. Why the need for such a big Hoo Haa day to draw attention and encourage acceptability.  Who is this all really for?.

Do children have to know or need to know at such a young age about the way some people lead their lives by using minions and face paintings.  Surely people from LGBT don’t need a stamp of acceptability from others?  Just let everyone get on with their lives and enjoy being who you are.

Just wondering why the desperate official need of acceptance of a Welsh town and its people for goodness sake.  I’ve been married to my husband for 27 years.  Acceptance and tolerance cannot be forced onto people.  Life is for living.  Get on and live it.  Hope you all enjoy your day.”

We later asked West Wales LGBT if  they had seen the Mrs Galliford’s comments and how they felt about them.  They responded that they had seen them and had refrained from replying but had noted that other users of Carmarthenshire Wildlife Walks page had come forward to support the event.  West Wales LGBT later told us that they weren’t trying to enforce tolerance on anyone.  The day was just a celebration of LGBT Values and more of an awareness raising event designed to foster tolerance and respect which of course has to work both ways especially when people are critical or disagree with you.

However it should be noted that Mrs Galliford later removed her comments from the Facebook pages.   Both Carmarthenshire Wildlife Walks and West Wales LGBT are keen to stress that Mrs Galliford hadn’t been asked to remove the comments or had been moderated in any way.

Our photographer was in attendance throughout the day and collected these stunning images.