Human rights lawyer Ciáran Moynagh, organiser of the Lawyers with Pride bloc, told Irish Legal News that he welcomed the PSNI’s participation.

Police officers and staff have taken part before, but never in uniform. They will be joined by three liveried PSNI vehicles reading: ‘Policing with Pride - Hate Crime is Unacceptable – To Stop It, Report It.’

Mr Moynagh told ILN: “Pride is an inclusive celebration. It is open to all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief or race.

“All types of groups and organisations take part to support the LGBT+ community and strive for equality. Some may class this event as purely political but it is more than that. It is a cultural and positive celebration.

“I welcome the PSNI participation. It proves that they support diversity within the police force and it helps break down a barrier to accessing services. If this assists in the reporting of homophobic or transphobic hate crimes then it justified.”

Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said: “Pride is an important series of events for those in the community who identify as being LGB+T and the Police Service of Northern Ireland sees this as an opportunity not only to show its support for these members of our communities but also to highlight that hate crime, in whatever form, is wrong and the importance of reporting it.

“The ‘Policing with Pride’ liveried police vehicles carry the message ‘Hate Crime is Unacceptable – To Stop It, Report It.

“Hate crime should not be tolerated and victims should be encouraged and feel confident that when they contact police that their concerns will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.”