Liverpool to fly the rainbow flag for international day against homophobia

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Liverpool is to fly the rainbow flag from its town hall on Sunday to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The city’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Steve Rotheram is to hold talks with members of the LGBT community about the possibility of holding a pride march in Liverpool

He will also give a book of condolences to the parents of Michael Causer, the gay teenager who was beaten to death last year.

Cllr Rotheram told the Liverpool Daily Post: “I’m delighted to be Lord Mayor when the Town Hall makes history and flies the rainbow flag for the first time.

“Sunday’s event will be a great opportunity for people to not only enjoy themselves but to also get involved with shaping a future pride festival in the city.

“Homophobia is unacceptable and we want to do everything we can to promote diversity in this great city – for example, we’re very proud of our annual Homotopia and Outsiders festivals which celebrate art and culture in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.”

Liverpool is the only major city in England which does not have a pride event.

In February, local councillor Steve Radford, who is openly gay, questioned the attitudes of the people of Merseyside after a jury acquitted 19-year-old Gavin Alker of Michael Causer’s murder.

A jury accepted Alker had acted in “self-defence” and that his accomplice James O’Connor was responsible for the murder. Mr O’Connor pleaded guilty to the charge.

At an LGBT community meeting, Cllr Radford said: “The question has to be asked whether the 10-2 jury not-guilty verdict into Gavin Alker means Merseyside society thinks it’s acceptable to beat up gay people?

“Because, if the evidence was so clear and the people involved acknowledge their part in the attack, we need to ask if the real problem is in Merseyside society.”

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