Last week’s Pride celebrations have been hailed a huge success that enabled members of the island’s LGBTQ+ community to come out, be seen and be themselves, according to organisers.

The week of celebrations — culminating in a parade through the streets of Hamilton on Saturday — drew record numbers of attendees and supporters.

Joshua Samuels, the executive director of OutBermuda, the gay rights charity that organised the weeklong celebration, said that its aims had been met.

Mr Samuels said: “Our goal this year was to invigorate and uplift Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community, while also inviting allies into the movement.

“Pride isn’t just for the gays; it’s for all those who believe in human rights, equality and inclusion.

“Pride is both a celebration and a protest; part party, part protest, both equally embraced throughout the week.

“OutBermuda and Bermuda Pride are committed to honouring our community with events by us and for us. Many of the changes and additions this year came directly from community feedback, and we continue to welcome that input.

“There was a real sense of celebration, protest and solidarity that continued into the parade through the streets of Hamilton.”

Mr Samuels said that the annual event was one of the only times “when LGBTQ+ people feel celebrated, seen and fully themselves”.

He added: “It builds a sense of belonging that many in our community don’t get to experience anywhere else.”

Mr Samuels claimed that many LGBTQ+ felt alone when coming to terms with their sexuality as teenagers — and that those feelings of isolation could continue into adulthood.

He said: “One of the things we hear often from LGBTQ+ youth in Bermuda is that they feel invisible.

“They often feel they have to hide who they are, even from their families. Pride tells them you are not alone. You are part of a bigger community that loves you, and you don’t have to shrink yourself to survive.

“Unfortunately, this sense of invisibility doesn’t end with youth. I hear from queer people all the time who leave Bermuda because it doesn’t feel safe enough for them. It doesn’t feel inclusive enough. They don’t feel like Bermuda is friendly or warm towards them as LGBTQ+ people.

“Pride helps build a different Bermuda. A more loving one. It sends a very public and visible message that LGBTQ+ people matter and that they belong here, in the place we call home.

“It’s not just about the LGBTQ+ community either. Pride is important for Bermuda as a whole.

“It reminds us that queer people are not strangers. We are your co-workers, classmates, siblings, aunties, gym buddies and friends. We’ve always been part of Bermuda’s story, and Bermuda will be better when it embraces the full diversity of who we are.“

Mr Samuels applauded public figures such as government ministers Tineé Furbert and Kim Wilkerson, and Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, for attending events last week.

He said: “It sends a powerful message when community leaders show up.

“When government and community leaders take a stand for inclusion, it helps change attitudes and open hearts.

“Bigotry and discrimination still exist here. That’s why visibility matters. That’s why Pride matters.

“Pride is a celebration and it’s also a call to action. It reminds us how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.

“And most importantly, it reminds LGBTQ+ Bermudians that they are seen, valued and never alone.”