The Mayor of Liverpool is set to raise a new Pride flag later this year to show the city’s intolerance of hate crimes.
Mayor Joanne Anderson will open an event at Liverpool Parish Church by raising a new progress pride flag, which will incorporate colours and symbols representative of the Trans and Intersex communities, marginalised people of colour, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost.
The event, Liverpool Loves You, will see faith and civic leaders come together with Liverpool's LGBT+ community and its allies to celebrate the city region as a safe and welcoming place. Mayor Anderson said: “I want to build a better, safer, more inclusive Liverpool, where people can thrive, with equal access of opportunity and are treated with dignity and respect.
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“We can all help achieve this by playing our part in tackling hate crime and ensuring we do as much as we can to celebrate our diverse, much-loved communities – and the Liverpool Loves You event is a great example of that. It was heart-breaking to see the events of last year with a number of the LGBTQ+ community being targeted in our city.
“We won’t tolerate hate in our city which is why I’m proud to be asked to raise the new Progress Pride flag in May. It’s symbolic of Liverpool being an open, welcoming city and one that stands together in solidarity against hate crime."
The free event, happening on Saturday, May 14 will include brief speeches from Mayor Anderson, faith leaders, local LGBT+ organisations before being followed by an afternoon of food, drink and entertainment. Throughout the day there will be uplifting performances from local artists, including Liverpool’s Rainbow Chorus, ‘Liverpool Loves You’ themed flower displays led by Michael Causer Foundation and activities for young people.
The day will end with an LGBT+ affirming service where Liverpool Christians will promote hope and solidarity for LGBT+ equality. Assistant Mayor and councillor Harry Doyle said: “I’m delighted to be part of this event and it once again gives us the opportunity to spread the message far and wide that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have no place in Liverpool.
“Events like this allow us to celebrate the community and emphasise the importance of acceptance - we’re a city that proudly stands up to injustice of any kind and hate and prejudice will not be tolerated.”
People of all faiths and none are welcome to attend any part of the day’s celebrations.
