Flags out for first Pride

A transgender man from Perth has spoken of his journey, coming out to his family, and issues with hate crime and rights ahead of this weekend’s Perthshire Pride.

Alec Rose (22) is hoping this weekend will not only change attitudes in Perth and Kinross towards the LGBT community, but help to improve the lives of transgender people living and working in the area.

Alec says he knew he was bisexual from a very young age, but has recently come out as transgender, and is at the start of the process to transition from female to male.

However he says he has found difficulties in receiving medical treatment, getting the official paperwork, and with hate crime in the region, adding Perth has a reputation for not being LGBT friendly.

This comes as the first ever Perthshire Pride is staged tomorrow, with live music, performers and inspirational speakers celebrating the region’s LGBT community at Horsecross Plaza and Perth Concert Hall.

Full story on pages eight and nine.