NICOLA Sturgeon will snub Donald Trump when he visits Scotland to lead thousands of marchers at the Glasgow Pride march.
The First Minister has been named honorary grand marshal for the event tomorrow, in recognition of her long-standing support for LGBTI equality.
Sturgeon said: "I'm proud that Scotland is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTI equality and Pride Glasgow is a fantastic event that brings communities together and celebrates all that LGBTI people bring to Scottish life.
"As a society we must champion equality and fairness at all times and defend the progress that has been made.
"I am pleased to be named as the first ever honorary grand marshal of Pride Glasgow and I look forward to joining young LGBTI people in the parade to mark Scotland's Year of Young People."
Alastair Smith, chief executive of Pride Glasgow, said: "We're delighted to name First Minister Nicola Sturgeon the first honorary grand marshal of Pride Glasgow in recognition of her longstanding support of LGBTI equality.
"We can't wait to welcome her, and tens of thousands of others, to the Glasgow Pride celebrations this weekend."
Suki Wan, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, added: "It's an honour to have been asked to accompany the First Minister to open this year's Pride Glasgow.
"Everyone in Scotland should feel safe and happy; safe to be who they are, and to love who they love. We know that isn't the case for everyone, despite enormous steps which have been taken in recent years.
"That is why Pride is so important. It allows us to celebrate our differences, while uniting us in our commonalities."
Sturgeon will become the first serving prime minister or first minister in the UK to march at a pride event.
Trump’s record on LGBTI has been criticised by activists in the US.
For the second year in a row, the White House did not take part in the US’s annual Pride Month, instead declaring June National Ocean Month, National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, National Homeownership Month, and National African-American Music Appreciation Month.
During his campaign, Trump promised to “protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology.”
But his administration has tried tried to reinstate a ban on trans people joining and openly serving in the military.
So far, that ban has been stymied by the courts.
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