“IDAHOBIT comes at a critical point within the current political and social landscape”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY JUAN MOYANO
This International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Manchester Pride has revealed that for the third consecutive year, the LGBTQIA community has demanded action against hate crime. 45% of people surveyed asked for more to be done in the fight against hate crime. This is hardly surprising considering the ONS data published last year which revealed that hate crimes targeted at the LGBTQIA community have increased by 112% in the last five years.
Manchester Pride launched its I Choose Kindness campaign last year to help combat hate crimes, using education as a tool to help bring communities together.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, emphasised the critical role of education in enacting change: “The continued rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQIA community is deeply troubling,”
“Through our ongoing initiatives, such as our I Choose Kindness campaign and the All Equals Charter, we hope to educate communities, businesses and political leaders and build a deeper understanding of what LGBTQIA people face for just being themselves.
“IDAHOBIT comes at a critical point within the current political and social landscape. It’s time we ensure no one is left behind and promote a sense of equality and freedom regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
For more information about Manchester Pride and the I Choose Kindness campaign, visit: I-Choose-Kindness.
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