Torbay Pride returns 'and remains as relevant as ever' say organisers
The annual Pride march returns this lunchtime along the main Torquay seafront road
Torbay Pride returns today with events centred on Torre Abbey Meadows - and a march taking place from midday.
Chariman Chris Smith says the reaction online to the latest Torbay pride event shows why it is still needed: "People say 'oh when is straight pride' or 'why do we need pride?'
"On our social media, 33 per cent of the comments we see are still hate crimes - people making negative comments about 'oh, we don't need Pride' and 'you shouldn't be here'.
"But on the other end of the spectrum we had somebody in their 80s last year who'd never been to a Pride before and said it was absolutely fantastic."
Will Emery, one of the organisers, said today's march is hugely significant but often means different things to the various participants.
He added: "I think it's always an individual thing, so the march means something different to everybody. For some people it's a celebration, for some people it's a parade and for some people it's a protest.
"For myself I met my partner, I met new friends and I found some happiness."
Torbay-based Joire Cawsey is one of the performers today at the family event - which features music and a market village.
She said 'Pride is still just as needed' in the South West, adding: "I remember holding hands with my girlfriend at a bus stop (In Bristol) and a van going past and getting heckled.
"It's rude, its innaporiate and it hurt our feelings."