This year Wiltshire and Swindon Pride will be celebrating its 10th year in Swindon and I would like to share why I feel that this is something we can all take pride in.

We can all be rightly proud that the United Kingdom is known throughout the world for its emphasis and commitment to the rule of law and the freedom of the individual.

But we also know that some people have not been able to enjoy their rights and freedoms as much as others, because they are discriminated against.

In response to this, campaigners go to considerable effort to bring about changes in the law.

While legal reform is important, it is down to us, as individuals to make good choices about how we treat each other in order to create an inclusive and tolerant society.

This is where events like Wiltshire and Swindon Pride come in.

Sometimes, questions are asked, why have a celebration based around sexuality?

The way I would answer is this. As a heterosexual I have never once, in my entire life, been called names based on my sexuality. I have never had to worry about how my friends, family or faith group, might react to my sexuality. I have never had to think about whether it might impact on my career.

It has never crossed my mind whether it would affect my rights in law or stop me marrying the person I loved.

Yet for many people these concerns are real and the decision to openly manifest their sexuality carries consequences.

In this country, criminal offences based on sexuality have been abolished yet around the world people face very severe consequences, including imprisonment, physical injury and even death because of their sexuality.

So to me, the fact that people want to come together, to be open and proud about who they are, is in reality a celebration of what it is to live in a free country and that is something that resonates with me.

To me, life is a precious and amazing opportunity and the fact that we are all different and yet can all form common and meaningful bonds with each other is what makes life most worthwhile.

Changing attitudes, institutions and laws can take time, but as we recognise the value in diversity, progress is made.

I want to live in a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what life has to offer and not be placed at a disadvantage because they are different in some way.

So to me, if people want to celebrate who they are and choose to do so in Swindon, that is something I can feel proud about.