DEPUTY Mayor Leighton Rowlands will make his annual visit to Pride Cymru on Saturday – this time as an official representative of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Cllr Rowlands, 27, who is openly gay, has previously helped staff the Conservative stand at the August Bank Holiday event, and this year is being joined by a group of council staff to help promote and celebrate the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

“I think I first went in 2012. We had a good following and being the party that has the most (openly) gay MPs and largest number of LGBT members, it was only right that we were there.

“The event is very important in highlighting issues affecting gay people. There are still those out there that believe gay people should be seen and not heard, while my view is that we’re all the same – we’re all human beings.

“Going back a few years, Pride was quite small, no-one was really interested and it was frowned upon. Now everyone goes. I’ve been with straight people who have really enjoyed it, I’ve seen children there with their parents and that’s great. It’s important the younger generation realise we have gay people in society, we’re very accepting of them and if a child senses that attitude it might be easier for them to come out.

“When I came out, I thought I wouldn’t be accepted by my family, but they just said ‘well, we already knew’. I wanted a bit of drama but no!”

Cllr Rowlands is also keen for LGBT residents of the Vale to know they have a presence on the council and that he is someone who can help raise the profile of issues that matter to them.

“Pride is a great opportunity for me to represent the party I like, but also hear the views of other gay men and women and think about how we can influence policy within the Conservative Party to better represent their interests,” said Cllr Rowlands.

“The Conservative Party is sometimes seen as traditional, but since 1834 we’ve always been able to move with the times and we’ve modernised. We’re not stuffy, we’re a diverse party that prides itself on equality for all.

“In Wales and within the Vale of Glamorgan, we have gay members that are looking to set up a Tory LGBT group. It’s about inclusivity for everyone at the end of the day and I think the Conservative Party offers that.

“In the Vale it would be great if gay people, particularly younger people, could think I’m fighting their corner. I’m passionate about fighting for gay rights and basically just the same opportunities as straight people have. I’m sure most people would agree with that.”

He insists revealing his sexuality to the party could not have gone smoother.

“I told a small group of people first, but as with everything within political parties, news spreads like wildfire and everyone was incredibly accepting,” added Cllr Rowlands.

“It was just a total non-issue, which is how it should be because it really doesn’t matter.

“The leader John Thomas wanted me to know that the whole group was supportive.

“At the end of the day, all that matters is that we do a good job for our constituents. The rest is irrelevant.”