A UNIVERSITY has shown its support for Brighton and Hove Pride despite the cancellation of the official annual event.

The 30th anniversary celebrations, including the official parade, were cancelled for a second year due to Covid-19.

However, the University of Sussex still expressed solidarity with Brighton and Hove Pride by holding their own scaled-back events.

The university, which became an official partner of Pride in 2017, donned rainbow flags and held several smaller gatherings to show their support.

The Argus: The University of Sussex celebrated Pride, despite the cancellation of the official eventThe University of Sussex celebrated Pride, despite the cancellation of the official event

In previous years, university staff and students have been a colourful addition to the Pride Community Parade.

Interim pro-vice-chancellor for culture, equality and inclusion professor Kevin Hylton said it is “upsetting that the pandemic has robbed us of the chance to celebrate together”.

“The absence of Brighton and Hove Pride from the city this weekend will give us all a moment to pause and reflect on what we have lost and why events like Pride continue to be so important for our collective well-being in the 21st century,” he said.

“Sussex is proud of its history at the forefront of the fight for the rights and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and those values remain at the heart of what makes Sussex, Sussex.”

Pride organisers announced earlier this year that the parade, Pride Village Party and Pride Festival on would not be going ahead.

The event acts as a fundraising opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community, supporting The Brighton Rainbow Fund and other causes each year.

The Argus: The University of Sussex celebrated Pride, despite the cancellation of the official event The University of Sussex celebrated Pride, despite the cancellation of the official event

University of Sussex’s Dr Laia Becares the pandemic has had a significant impact on mental wellbeing, having c-lead the Queerantine Survey into the impact of the pandemic on the LGBTQ+ community.

"Events like Brighton and Hove Pride have a real significance for many in the LGBTQ+ community because they provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to be themselves and create opportunities for individuals to affirm their identities and make connections,” she said.

“And following the documented inequalities of the pandemic on the LGBTQ+ community, Pride continues to be an opportunity to advocate for equality and social justice.

"The absence of Brighton & Hove Pride for another year will be sorely felt within the city's LGBTQ+ community and beyond and there will be an even greater need for its return in 2022."