Faith and civic leaders will come together with Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ community and its allies on Saturday 14th May for a community celebration and LGBT+ affirming service to show that Liverpool Loves You.
Delivered in partnership by Liverpool Parish Church, LCR Pride Foundation, Homotopia, Michael Causer Foundation, Open Table Network, YPAS Liverpool, Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council, the free Liverpool Loves You event will take place the weekend before the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB)*, celebrating the Liverpool City Region as a safe, friendly and welcoming place for LGBT+ people of all faiths and none.
Mayor Joanne Anderson will open the event at 2pm by raising the new Progress Pride flag, which incorporates 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.
After brief speeches from Mayor Anderson, faith leaders, local LGBT+ organisations and dignitaries from across the region, there will be an afternoon of food, drink, entertainment and fun, followed by an LGBT+ affirming service (6pm) where Liverpool Christians will promote hope and solidarity for LGBT+ equality. The day will close at 7pm with a vigil against hate crime.
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, with further detail to be revealed in coming weeks. People of all faiths and none are welcome to attend any part of the day’s celebrations.
The Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, Rector of Liverpool, said:
“This celebratory event tells us something about Liverpool, and something about the Christian Church within Liverpool. This is an inclusive and affirming place where everyone is welcome, and I’m delighted that we can use Liverpool Parish Church to promote this message to those within our city and also to the thousands who visit Liverpool every week.”
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, 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.”
For more information about the event, visit www.liverpoollovesyou.lgbt
* International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) takes place annually on 17th May – https://may17.org/
