WATCH: Scottish Government minister for equalities, migration and refugees Emma Roddick MSP and Councillor Sarah Fanet speak at Highland Pride event in Inverness

Amidst all of the entertainment on offer at Highland Pride 2023, two politicians took to the stage to address the thousands who gathered at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness.

Scottish Government minister for equalities, migration and refugees Emma Roddick MSP, also the first out politician to represent the Highlands and Islands at Holyrood, and Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Sarah Fanet, the first trans woman to be elected in Scotland, were the guest speakers for the event.

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Ms Roddick touched on a few different topics in her speech, recounting one of her own coming out stories and noting the rise in abuse online and in person targetting Highland businesses and institutions.

She also talked about the political climate, reaffirming her own personal commitment and the Scottish Government's commitment to ending conversion practices, and acknowledged the need for legal recognition for non-binary people.

"Progress on equality is slow because it does mean changing people's minds and attitudes, and that takes ages," Ms Roddick said.

"It takes far too long for those of us who are experiencing the inequality, but I will fight tooth and nail for every single small step forward because I know that doing nothing has far worse consequences.

"Please do stand proud today, and from now on stand together knowing you are on the right side of history – and soon we will be on the winning side of history."

Watch Emma Roddick MSP's full speech below

Councillor Sarah Fanet, meanwhile, spoke about how being trans was incidental to her constituents and the positive reaction she received when presenting the Corran Ferry with a Pride flag last month.

Her common thread was the importance of visibility, ending with a rallying call to those in attendance to remain visible in order to normalise LGBTQ+ identities.

"Well done for being here today, because by being here you are sending a very powerful message that there is a lot of love, respect and support out there, and that the Highlands is a great place to live when you can be who you truly are," Councillor Fanet said.

"There is a lot of love and support out there, but it is not always visible.

"Visibility brings normality without having to think about it. It restores our humanity, so let's work together to make more of this happen and create more visibility."

Watch Councillor Sarah Fanet's full speech below

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