Government Minister Tinée Furbert yesterday said she supported the “celebrations of Bermuda Pride, where there are celebrations of freedoms to be accepted for who you are”.

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors said the Bermuda Pride organisation has “provided education, advocacy, and leadership in support of LGBTQ+ community in Bermuda”.

The move was applauded by Bermuda Pride, which thanked her for the recognition of its work.

The group’s statement added: “It would be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to challenge the government to create and support much needed resources for the local LGBTQ+ community, especially queer youth, and transgender persons.

“We look forward to working with the Government, and the wider community, to make Bermuda a safe and equitable society for all.”

It came after Ms Furbert said Bermuda Pride had made “significant strides in representing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and I acknowledge the leaders in this community for displaying their bold and unwavering commitment".

She added: "Bermuda Pride, your efforts to protect and provide opportunities for members of the LGTBQ+ community to share their stories, experiences, and resources is a great example of humanitarianism.

"Just as the Bermuda Pride theme states, 'A Deeper Love' empowers us to have greater respect for our fellow people and the right to live peaceably.

"The Government remains committed to protecting the residents of Bermuda, and this year, the Ministry of Labour has established through law the further protection and policies against Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the workplace, which came into force on June 1, 2021.

“This will further serve to support the Human Rights Act 1981 which is Bermuda's anti-discrimination legislation. "

Bermuda Pride said its leadership aimed to build a fairer Bermuda by raising the visibility of the island’s LGTBQ+ community, with greater education and more venues to celebrate the group’s role in the wider culture.

The statement added: “Though our disagreement with the Government’s official position on equal marriage ought to be obvious, we nonetheless acknowledge the minister’s historic statement, and welcome it.

“While it is no secret that Bermuda remains on a journey towards full equality for its LGBTQ+ people, we must take time to appreciate how far we have come.”