Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has used the start of Pride Month to call for a fairer and kinder Scotland for LGBT+ people.

The Scottish Greens MSP said more needs to be done to tackle inequality, discrimination and hate experienced by LGBT+ people across the Highlands and Scotland as a whole.

June marks Pride Month, with events taking place across the country celebrating LGBT+ communities while highlighting ongoing challenges faced by many people.

Ariane Burgess is due to attend Highland Pride in Inverness on Saturday 6 June and says the event provides an important opportunity to show support and solidarity.

The Scottish Greens have long campaigned on LGBT+ rights and during the recent election called for a ban on conversion therapy, improvements to healthcare provision and measures aimed at protecting the rights of transgender people.

Ms Burgess said she would like to see as many of those proposals as possible adopted by the new Scottish Government.

Speaking ahead of Highland Pride, Ariane Burgess said:

“As someone who believes everyone should be treated equally regardless of who they are, I’ve been distressed at the treatment LGBT+ people have received in recent times.

“Trans people are being unfairly demonised.

“Mental health and broader healthcare issues among the LGBT+ community aren’t being properly addressed.

“Conversion therapy practices are still being allowed to take place.

“Pride Month is a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

“It brings people together and celebrates the diverse array of people who make Scotland such a great nation to live in.

“I’m looking forward to standing with everyone in Inverness this weekend.

“Together, we can show those who seek to divide us that love will always overcome hate.

“By standing as one and acknowledging that the rights of LGBT+ people are all of our rights, we can put our nation on a path to being more accepting and equal for everyone, regardless of who they are.

“The Government must also play a central role in driving change.

“I want to see it implement a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy, make our education system more inclusive and tackle healthcare inequalities.

“It must speak out more to show those who think transphobia and homophobia are acceptable that their views aren’t welcome in Scotland.

“We can make our nation a place where everyone can lead a good life, no matter who or how they love, or what gender they identify with.

“Doing this doesn’t require much in the way of public money but it does need political will.

“The Scottish Greens will push the Government all the way to secure a better future for LGBT+ people.”

Highland Pride will take place in Inverness this weekend as communities from across the region come together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and equality.

The event is expected to attract people from across the Highlands and Islands and forms part of wider Pride Month celebrations taking place throughout June.