6th November 2023
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On Saturday 14th May 2022, at Liverpool Parish Church, faith and civic leaders will celebrate Liverpool Loves You. Standing with the LGBT+ community and its allies, the event will be a celebration and LGBT+ affirming service. This comes as a result of their bid to creatively counter the contentious God Loves You event.
The event will be delivered as a partnership between local bodies, inclusive of people from all faiths and backgrounds.
The event takes place the weekend before the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on the 17th of May. It will celebrate the Liverpool City Region as a safe, friendly and welcoming place for LGBT+ people. The event is led by Liverpool Christians, countering Evangelist Franklin Graham’s homophobic rhetoric. However, the event is supportive of the LGBT+ community of all faiths and none.
Setting the tone for the day, Mayor Joanne Anderson will open the event by raising the new Progress Pride flag. The flag incorporates new colours and symbols; it’s representative of the Trans and Intersex communities, marginalised people of colour, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost.
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. 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.
The Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing – Rector of Liverpool
Firstly, from 2pm, there will be brief speeches, addressing current issues and celebrating and welcoming the LGBT+ community. You can hear 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. Throughout the day, there will be uplifting performances from local artists, including Liverpool’s Rainbow Chorus, themed flower displays led by Michael Causer Foundation and activities.
Then, at 6pm, Liverpool Christians will promote hope and solidarity for LGBT+ equality in an LGBT+ affirming service. Finally, the day will close at 7pm with a vigil against hate crime. People of all faiths and none are welcome to attend any part of the day’s celebrations.
We are incredibly proud to be part of a network in the Liverpool City Region that celebrates, champions and strives for diversity, love and the inclusion of all LGBT+ identities.
Each year International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) in May marks the start of a period of celebration and protest for the city region’s LGBT+ community and its allies, with Pride month in June and our March with Pride and Pride in Liverpool in July. The Liverpool Loves You event is a fantastic start to these celebrations.
Andi Herring – CEO and Co-founder of LCR Pride Foundation
Cover image by Matt Goodfellow, provided by LCR Pride Foundation.
