Liverpool Pride announces ‘summer of love’ theme

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Liverpool Pride’s theme for 2011 will be ‘summer of love’, organisers have announced.

A vote held online and around the city’s gay scene selected the theme for the August 6th festival.

The announcement follows attacks on two of the city’s best-loved drag queens, Calvin Fox and Lady Sian.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Hazel Williams, said “Following the horrendous attacks on members of the gay community, this day is a chance for us to reinforce the message that homophobia is unacceptable. As a city council, we will do everything we can to promote diversity in this great city.

“I’m delighted that this year’s theme is ‘Summer of Love’ and I hope it will bring everyone together in the spirit of unity and togetherness.”

Liverpool Pride chair Tommy McIlravey said “We knew last year’s Rainbow Circus would be hard to beat, so many people did us proud to make the day one of the most colourful in the city’s history. The local LGBT community have voted in their droves to give us another cracker for 2011. The Summer of Love will see an ocean of hippies, fluoros and flower children flood into Liverpool ready to paint the town pink on August 6th.”

Last year’s event was the first Pride event in the city for a decade.

The festival also received a message of support from Anton Hysen, the world’s only out professional footballer, who came out in March. The son of former Liverpool FC player Glenn Hysen, Anton, 20, was born in Liverpool.

He said: ”Being born in Liverpool, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the city and it’s great to hear how much it does for its gay community. I was shocked to hear of the recent attacks and about what happened to Michael Causer. I think it’s disgraceful that attacks like this still happen across the world.

“We need to learn from each other and also to teach younger people how to treat each other with mutual respect despite different backgrounds, colour, sexual orientation and religion. I’m very proud to be from Liverpool and I wish everyone a safe & happy Pride.”

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