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Perth’s LGBT community has confirmed this year’s Perthshire Pride will take place on Saturday, August 8.

The announcement was made at a civic reception on Monday evening to mark LGBT History Month.

Organisers say this year’s event will be even bigger and better than before, promising once again to have a parade through the city, an afternoon of entertainment, and a ‘gaylidh’.

The main stage at this year’s Pride will be named the Ross Scott Stage.

Ross was a dedicated volunteer at Perthshire Pride who passed away last month at the age of 25 after developing AIDS.

Monday evening’s reception was also used to mark 20 years since section 28 was repealed by the Scottish Government, a law which banned councils from promoting homosexuality.

This act was brought into force in 1988, and was later repealed by the Scottish Government in 2000.

Claire Mackenzie, co-chair of Perthshire Pride, said reflecting on this moment in history demonstrates why there is still a need for events such as Pride to take place today.

Speaking on Monday, she said: “The infamous quote by the prime minister at the time was that section 28 was needed as children were ‘being taught that they have the inalienable right to be gay,’ a statement which isolated the LGBT community.

“But in 2000, Scotland had enough.

“In one of the first acts of the new Scottish Government, section 28 was repealed.

“Perth, however, had an unfavourable affiliation with this repeal, with a privately funded ballot from a well-respected Perth businessman campaigning to keep the clause.

“This proved ultimately unsuccessful, however again lead to the celebrations in Perth being slightly tainted.

“We in Scotland are lucky that our history is just that - history.

“We celebrate today the 20th anniversary of the repeal but remember to send our thoughts to our community in the 73 countries where LGBT activities are still illegal.

“We also stand with our transgender brothers and sisters who are fighting battles today.

“When someone tells me to stop throwing it in their face, I tell them, ‘we have fought and suffered for the right to be bold and seen, and we will no longer sit in silence.’”

Perth drag queen Scarlet Skylar Rae also spoke at the reception on her experience of coming out.

She said: “When I first came out I was alone and then I moved to a new city - Perth.

“I went to my first Pride and I felt inspired and accepted, and I know our actions can bring that feeling to those who need it.

“Love can bring us together.

“Although the success of Perthshire Pride is measured in statistics and economic impact, as long as it makes one person feel a little less alone, it is worth it.”

Last year’s Pride event proved to be a massive success, and was even attended by legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen, who co-founded Stonewall UK in 1989 and is an LGBT activist.

He said the parade through the streets of Perth was the most “beautiful” Pride parade he had ever been on.

The Lord of the Rings star added: “I have been in Prides all over the world, but never had such a beautiful walk as coming along the Tay. We have family, friends, dogs and children here. It is lovely.

“It is hugely important to have Pride and this was a great day to come out and tell everyone you are gay.”