THE satellite dishes lining the cliff tops at Bude were lit up in rainbow colours in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT).

They were lit up as a symbol of GCHQ’s continued commitment to diversity and pride in its workforce.

Since 1996 GCHQ’s Pride network has been actively supporting LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) staff and promoting awareness of minority sexual orientation and gender identity issues among the workforce.

GCHQ was ahead of the curve, putting in place anti-discrimination policies before they were legislated for in 2003. GCHQ Pride supports initiatives such as innovative LGBTI Awareness workshops for managers, that have been held at Bude as well as the main HQ in Cheltenham.

A GCHQ spokesperson said: “By lighting up the dishes at Bude, once again we want to show our support for diversity and illustrate how invaluable, creative and innovative a diverse workplace is. These attributes are at the heart of GCHQ.”

Isabelle, a GCHQ Pride member based in Bude said: “It was fabulous to see our building in Cheltenham lit up last year. We flew the rainbow flag down here for the first time then, but it’s amazing to now do something equally spectacular in our own way. We’ve got a unique mission down in Bude. It’s great to do something to put us on the map.”

Bude’s rainbow lights on IDAHOBiT Day (May 17) follow the lead of GCHQ’s main headquarters in Cheltenham that was lit in a spectrum of colour to mark the occasion last year.

Although Cheltenham is the most famous location associated with GCHQ, the organisation is spread across the country including Bude, Scarborough and Harrogate.