Police heroes to be showcased at Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride will see police officers and staff from 22 forces across the UK walking in Police with Pride this weekend.

This Saturday over 270 officers and staff from forces across the country will lead the parade as Manchester Pride celebrates its 19th year.

Senior police officers will also participate, including Chief Constable Peter Fahy, Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney and from Merseyside, Assistant Chief Constable Helen King.

The parade entry is organised by Police with Pride, which consists of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) representatives from forces across the North West who organise and promote the event not only in the North West, but nationally.

PC Darren Haslam, coordinator of GMP's Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation (LAGSA), said: “Its another fantastic response that we’ve had this year, there has been an increase in the numbers taking part and also the number of police forces represented. For me it shows that confidence is slowly increasing amongst our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) staff and walk through the streets of Manchester proudly as a police officer or member of police staff.“

“By taking part in Pride will hopefully send out a strong and clear message to give confidence to the LGBT communities, that you can be gay or trans and work for the police. Hopefully it will also give them confidence to talk to the police and where necessary report a crime, with the confidence that they will be taken seriously.”"

This year’s parade has undergone some changes with a float being added to the crowd where DJ and presenter Anthony Crank will be providing the entertainment with the support of Blacka Acoustics Ltd. Constable Cub, along with Billy B from Lancashire, Whistler the Dog from Cumbria and GMP’s latest recruit PCSO Steve will be out to represent the heroes in the police who are proud to stand up for what they believe in.

For the second year running, GMP is one of the main sponsors of Manchester Pride and has worked closely with the organisers to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Officers will also be providing information about how to report hate crime throughout Pride.

"Hate crime is not something that LGB&T individuals should just have to put up with," added PC Haslam.

"GMP is committed to erasing hate crime from our communities. Anyone who has been targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity should report it to police. We will take you seriously."

There are a number of ways to report hate crime. It can be done online at:

www.gmp.police.uk/hatecrime

Or by calling 0161 8725050 and asking to speak to one of our specially trained LGBT liaison officers.

Alternatively, hate crime can be reported through a third party, such as the Lesbian and Gay Foundation Helpline on 08453 303030. Lines are open 8pm-10pm seven days a week.