A LEADING gay and human rights campaigner is to give the keynote speech at the opening of Lancaster Pride Week.

Peter Tatchell will speak on The Unfinished Battle for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality' at the opening event in the Ashton Hall on Friday, December 2.

Mr Tatchell, pictured, will ask why the Government is blocking LGBT rights?"

The sometimes controversial Tatchell joined the Green Party in 2002, saying it was going one step further than any other party to boost gay rights.

"Greens not only want to make Britain a homophobia-free zone, they positively and proudly celebrate queer culture," he says.

Lancaster Pride Festival is being held between December 2 and 11 - and promises to be a really colourful spectacle say organisers from the city's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Events being planned include films, performances, DJ dance events, workshops and infor-mation stalls at venues including the Gregson Centre, the Dukes Playhouse, Friends' Meeting House, St Martin's College, and at Lancaster University.

Organiser and youth worker Lenny St Jean says: "The LGBT community along with other minority communities has struggled for recognition over the years, and the time has now come for us in Lancaster to have our own special celebration.

"We want to let people know we're proud and active members of this community."

Local Green County Cllr Chris Coates says: "It's great that Peter Tatchell can come and open Lancaster's first Pride Week. As well as celebrating the strength of queer culture we need to be debating issues that affect the LGBT community."

He will be part in a Diversity Dialogue panel at St Thomas's Church Hall on Thursday, December 8, when the topic under discussion will be Redefining Family'.