Fury At ‘Hate’ Letter Over Pride Flags

Shop bosses in Market Harborough have condemned whoever sent an anonymous letter urging them to remove rainbow flags from outside their premises.

The letter, which was posted to several shops, has been described as ‘discriminatory homophobic hate mail’.

Several shops in the town centre have been sent the anonymous letter

Over 100 Progress Pride flags have been flying in the town centre to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during June’s Pride month.

The Just so Italian deli on Adam and Eve Street was one of the businesses to receive the letter, which is signed ‘an ex-regular customer.’

It urges them to remove flags and to not be associated with the campaign next year.

A spokesperson said: “It would be naive and ignorant for us to think that, in 2025, members of the LGBTQ+ community don’t still face a huge amount of hate and discrimination. It’s obvious that they do.

“The stories we’ve heard from family, friends and our employees about their experiences are unimaginable.

“It is clear from the letter that the anonymous author is misinformed and stuck in an ignorant mindset. The fact they have written this letter, and posted it to multiple businesses within Market Harborough, is shocking.

“Hate and discrimination have no place within our deli. where members of the LGBTQ+ community are always welcome.

“We are not taking the flag down and will continue to support the local councils pride flag initiative in the future.”

Progress Pride flags have been flying in the town centre throughout June

When the flags were erected at the start of June, Harborough District Council said: “We are proud to support Pride Month by flying Progress flags in Market Harborough town centre and on The Symington Building.

“Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of LGBT+ people in all areas of life.

“We want to show that everyone is welcome in our district and flying the Progress flag demonstrates our strong commitment to equality and diversity.”