By Rutland Democracy Reporter
The LGBT flag is flying over Oakham this month, but its location has become the center of a symbolic tug-of-war.
Rutland County Council (RCC) has confirmed it is proudly flying the flag at its Catmose headquarters throughout February to mark LGBT+ History Month. In a significant move, the county authority has also agreed to a special request from the local LGBT+ community to fly a second flag outside the Rutland County Library in Oakham.
The decision to expand the flag-flying to the library comes after members of the local community expressed "profound disappointment" with Oakham Town Council. The Town Council sparked controversy by deciding to fly the flag on its pole only on the first and last days of the month, rather than for the duration of the month.
This year’s national theme for LGBT+ History Month is Science and Innovation. The County Council stated that it is using the month to highlight the often-overlooked contributions made by LGBTQ+ individuals to the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while also using the occasion to "combat prejudice and celebrate diversity."
The Council’s refreshed Corporate Strategy for 2026-2028 emphasises a commitment to "effective public services" that are inclusive and accessible to all residents.
The request for the County Council to step in at the library site followed a discussion regarding Oakham Town Council's policy. Members of the community said that "part-time" recognition on just two days of the month felt like a token gesture rather than a meaningful celebration of the towns diverse population.
By flying the flag at both Catmose and the County Library for the full duration of February, Rutland County Council has positioned itself as a visible ally to the community.
The celebration aligns with the Council’s broader "Service Ambitions" to improve community engagement and ensure that Rutland remains a welcoming place for everyone. As the council prepares for the transition to Local Government Reorganisation, leaders have stressed that the "values that define Rutland" must include inclusivity and the promotion of equality.
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