The rainbow flag was raised above Barking Town Hall this afternoon to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Councillors and council employees attended the flag raising ceremony.

There were speeches from Cllr Lynda Rice, cabinet member for equality and diversity, and two youngsters who shared their experience of being trans in the borough.

Jace Naeem told the crowd: “I wish to one day be able to wake up and throw on a shirt or be able to talk to someone without feeling shame about my voice.

“I want to walk down to the bus station without people looking at me and asking if I am a male of female.”

Riley Marks added: There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and for me that was my friends, my family and my community. I was so glad I found people who cared about other people.”