POWERFUL and thoughtful speeches were made at a Panel Discussion entitled "Religion, Culture and Sexuality", which was organised by Exeter Pride and Inclusive Mosque Exeter.

Panel members were from a range of religious and cultural backgrounds and they all addressed the topic with sensitivity and openness.

They included Neomi Alam, Iain McDonald, Siggi Mackenzie, Ravindra Nathwarni and Mia Briggs.

The evening, held at Exeter Guildhall, was a timely opportunity to discuss the issues arising when people struggle to reconcile their faith or culture with their sexuality.

More than 60 people listened to the debate and many questions were asked.

The evening was chaired by Kathryn Hannan and introductions were by Alan Quick and Adam Rank from Exeter Pride.

Comments from those who attended included: "Thanks to everyone involved. It really lifted my spirit and highlighted the strength of love and connection" and: "It was a really good evening supporting our friends who have often felt excluded from their faiths, being forced to make binary choices of staying true to themselves or choosing their religion without their authentic whole self included…feel sad knowing this pain that some of my friends have been going through."

After the event Kathryn explained: "We showed that our different religions can be accepting and welcoming to everyone, just as they are, and we have had a number of requests to ’do this again’ and ’bring this to other places’."

Inclusive Mosque Exeter recognises the diversity within the Muslim community and promotes the equality of all Muslims regardless of individual identity. The group says it values the humanity of all people and strives to respect the natural environment.

It says it welcomes dialogue and seeks to work with others to bring about peace and justice for all.

Exeter Pride is Devon’s biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ communities.

Volunteer-run and a charity, it organises an annual festival and associated events each year, having hosted a festival since 2009.

It raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, educates and promotes equality and diversity.