A rainbow flag is flying on the University of Sussex's campus to mark the University's partnership with this year's Brighton Pride festival.

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act, which partially decriminalised sex for gay men aged over 21 in England and Wales.

This was the first significant liberalisation of LGBT+ law in English and Welsh history and the anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in advancing LGBT+ rights in the 50 years since 27 July 1967.

Professor Andrea Cornwall, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality and Diversity), said of the day: “There is still much more that can be done to improve recognition of LGBT+ rights and increase understanding of the issues that LGBT+ individuals and communities face.

“That is why I’m delighted that the University is an official partner of this year’s Brighton and Hove Pride, and I’m proud of the University's commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all."

Sussex recently awarded director, writer and social commentator, Topher Campbell, an honorary degree. Topher is the first black openly gay man in the UK to receive an honorary doctorate from a UK Higher Education institution.

You can see Topher’s humbling speech below: