Mayor makes pledge to LGBTQ+ community

Maurice, who is studying photography, hair and beauty at Dudley College, is a student union diversity representative and goes by the stage name of Candy Campbell - The Maroon Doll.

Candy is flying the flag for inclusivity and recently took part in final of Miss Drag UK 2021 pageant. Competing alongside 11 other drag queens from across the UK, she was the first black contestant in the history of the competition. The act impressed judges to take the sash of first RunnerUp with her impressive and compelling performance.

During their meeting with the Mayor, Councillor Anne Milward, Maurice was able able to talk about equality and diversity in Dudley and learn more about how the council supports the LGBT+ community.

The pair talked about Dudley Council’s annual marking of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), when the rainbow flag is raised at the council house to raise awareness of the persecution suffered by LGBTQ+ people.

Councillor Anne Millward, The Mayor of Dudley, said:

As Mayor of Dudley, I’m determined to play my role in shaping our borough in a way that is open, equal and diverse for everyone whatever their sexuality, gender identity, race, culture or religion.

Welcoming Candy to the Council House has been such an honour. She is intelligent, unique and joyous and it was wonderful to speak about LGBTQ+ issues, which are so close to my heart.

Maurice said:

As the only Afro British Caribbean drag queen who took part in the UK drag competition since it was formed, I was honoured to receive runner up and I will continue to take forward my messages of celebrating diversity.

It was a pleasure to meet with the Mayor and hear about her professional and personal commitment to increasing equality and diversity in Dudley borough. We have fostered a strong new relationship and will continue to work together to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.