Canal Street Online Manchester

LGBT discrimination in Manchester

LGBT discrimination in Manchester

LGBT DISCRIMINATION STILL EXISTS IN SO MANY FORMS EVEN IN A TRAILBLAZING CITY SUCH AS MANCHESTER”

SAYS MANCHESTER PRIDE CEO MARK FLETCHER AS THE CHARITY LAUNCHES A CAMPAIGN TO UNEARTH THE STATE OF EQUALITY IN THE REGION

As today marks the International Day against Hompohobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Manchester Pride announces a series of workshops that will be held by the charity in the city to investigate the massive inequalities still reported to be happening across Greater Manchester. 

Manchester Pride is a registered charity that campaigns for equality and challenges discrimination; creates opportunity for engagement and participation and celebrates lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life.  

So in 2017, the year marked for being 50 years on from the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, Manchester Pride is launching its own campaign to cement LGBT equality in the DNA of Greater Manchester.

The workshops, which will be attended by individuals, businesses and community groups, will be the first part of a consultation process by Manchester Pride to draft and issue a white paper exploring equality across Greater Manchester. This white paper, once consulted on by the charity, will inform its campaigning strategy moving forwards.

The white paper will focus on discrimination against LGBT people but also the levels of discrimination amongst LGBT people within the region. For example racism committed by or against LGBT people or sexism within the workplace, or derogatory comments made towards bisexual and transgender people.

On the campaign Mark Fletcher comments; “I’ve worked with Manchester Pride for over ten years now and have seen equality and inclusion come on leaps and bounds both here in Manchester and around the world. However we’ve seen that LGBT discrimination still exists in so many forms even in a trailblazing city such as Manchester. I myself have faced unconscious discrimination at the very event that we organise to celebrate LGBT equality and inclusion. 

“We’re challenging people to really think about the language they use and the opinions they hold on equality and the impact they can have on others. Our aim is to fully understand the necessary actions required to further promote LGBT equality in Greater Manchester.”

Carl Austin-Behan, Manchester’s first out Lord Mayor, who is spearheading the campaign with Manchester Pride, said; “It is much documented that I have suffered discrimination in my career and I have been hugely fortunate to beat this and succeed to the office of Lord Mayor in Manchester. I have committed a large amount of time over the past 12 months visiting schools and young people and talking to them about what it means to be equal. We must stamp out discrimination and I am confident that this campaign from Manchester Pride will be the first step towards something very important for our city. I ask the city to get behind this campaign and support it with the passion they have shown me.”

Sharon Pegg, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Co-operative Group * said; “At the Co-op we promote a culture of respect and we fully support events such as IDAHOBIT to bring issues of homophobia and discrimination into focus.

“IDAHOBIT supports the whole LGBT+ community, at Co-op our Respect Network helps to raise the awareness to ensure that inclusion is at the heart of what we do. Ensuring our members, colleagues and customers can connect to the founding principles of who we are.”

“It is really important to work with our partners such as Manchester Pride, something we have been a part  of since the beginning, these events not only support our Manchester Community but send a clear message to a much wider audience giving people an opportunity to learn, reflect and celebrate being themselves always.”

For businesses, community groups or individuals wishing to take part in the consultation they can register online to take part in the next workshops which will be held on 30th and 31st May.

To find out more about the Manchester Pride you can follow the charity on Twitter @manchesterpride or visit the website at manchesterpride.com. 

* The Co-op proudly supports and sponsors the Canal St Card as part of their Diversity strategy via (Co-op LGBT group) Respect.

Click here for more information.

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Published: 25-May-2017: (4295)

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