Pic (c) Henrybrucephotography.com  

As one of the most successful Pride festivals in Brighton and Hove, Caroline pledged to fight for fairness and respect for Brighton and Hove's LGBT communities.

The theme of Brighton and Hove Pride 2010 was "Pride and No Prejudice."

Speaking ahead of Pride weekend, Caroline said: "It's a privilege to have been elected by the voters of Brighton Pavilion constituency in May, as the country's first Green MP.

"Part of my job as your MP is to fight for fairness and equality to ensure LGBT people are respected and empowered - which isn't easy anywhere - even in such an LGBT-friendly place as Brighton and Hove.

"Many who identify from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities put their faith in me in May's general election, so thank you.

"I'm sorry I can't be at Pride this year, as I was last year, as I have family commitments this time, but I wish you all well on this special day of the year. Have fun and celebrate!"

Phelim Mac Cafferty, National Chair of LGBTGreens added: "We are incredibly proud of the historic achievement of the election of our first MP, Caroline Lucas, and want to thank the people of Brighton Pavilion for putting their trust in us.

"Caroline has already used her first weeks as an MP to speak out against prejudice and will continue to campaign for LGBT equality.

"While naturally, we want to emphasise a sustainable approach to Pride we also want to show our gratitude to the people of Brighton Pavilion.

"The float has been be built in the form of the Houses of Parliament and has been created according to sustainable standards: all of the wood used for the creation of Parliament is sourced from sustainable sources.

"While the face of Big Ben will be adorned with solar panels which will power the DJ rig on board the float - using sustainable energy in exactly the way we'd like to see the actual Houses of Parliament powered.

"The truck ran on a biodiesel blend. Greens demonstrate in our own small way how alternatives can be found to depleting fossil fuels, and we are confident that because the people of Brighton have elected Caroline that they will share our Pride in pushing for a sustainable future.

Phelim added: "Greens are proud to have once again been on the streets celebrating the LGBT communities and we are looking forward to a reflective time but one where we can also enjoy Brighton's biggest, best, free event."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.