Every June people around the world commemorate Pride Month; 30 days of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

One question I regularly see being asked is: "Why do we need a whole month of Pride?"

Another that's posed every summer as people up and down the UK enjoy Pride events: "Why isn't there a straight Pride?"

It may be 2022 but the fight for equality has not yet been won.

Less than a month ago, Oslo Pride was cancelled following a shooting on the night of June 24.

According to Human Dignity Trust, there are 70 jurisdictions that criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity - all of them criminalise men and 43 criminalise women.

There are 11 jurisdictions where the death penalty is imposed or is at least possible for private, consensual same-sex sex intimacy.

There are 15 jurisdictions that criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people.

Reading those statistics might lead you to conclude we don't need Pride in the UK - those issues impact people in other countries.

Putting aside the fact that Pride isn't just about the fight for equality at home, things are not all rosy for LGBTQ+ people locally.

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In May, we reported on a homophobic attack which saw two men beaten at Oldham Central tram stop.

Last month our sister title The Bolton News reported that in Greater Manchester between 2020 and 2021, 1,461 hate crimes were recorded to have been due to sexual orientation, and 169 were recorded as a result of people being transgender, according to Home Office statistics.

Pride is about raising awareness and unity, it's not just a celebration, but a reminder of how hard the battle has been and what more needs to be done.

But the ongoing battle for a better world can't just be fought by those in the LGBTQ+ community - we all need to unite and show our support.

That's why I'm writing to you, not only as Editor of The Oldham Times, but also as an openly gay man, to urge you to come out and show your support in person by attending this year's Oldham Pride (July 22 to 24).

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This is a chance for us all to stand side-by-side and show the bigots they won't stop us from being who we are or take away the rights of our family members, friends, and neighbours.

I know from personal experience that without the support of my family and friends - the majority of whom are straight - I would have struggled to be open about my sexuality and live an authentic life.

So please, if you are able to attend this year's Oldham pride, I would encourage you to do so - it's going to be better than ever.