Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd will join the world’s largest celebration of trans life as Sparkle returns to Manchester’s Gay Village this weekend.
Sparkle takes place in Manchester city centre from 10 to 12 July.
Tony said: “It’s fantastic that Manchester – a city globally renowned for its diversity and welcoming atmosphere – is once again putting on the world’s biggest trans celebration. Sparkle plays a huge role in building understanding, respect and acceptance of trans people in our society.”
Tony will speak at the event on Sunday from 2pm where he will talk about how Greater Manchester Police can work together with the trans community to raise awareness of trans hate crime and how to report it, and ensure the police service meets their needs.
“We have come a long way in challenging prejudice and building a society of acceptance and equality. But sadly, trans people still face victimisation, violence and even death because of who they are,” adds Tony.
“That’s why we all have to play our part to challenge those who victimise and spout hatred and stand together in solidarity with trans people to promote cohesive communities where everyone can be free to be themselves.
“Greater Manchester Police is also working with the trans community to see how policing services can be shaped to better meet their needs. Raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging people to speak out is part of this work and I urge anyone who has been a victim of transphobic hate crime to speak to the police.”
On Friday 10 July Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle will raise the trans flag outside Greater Manchester Police Headquarters, along with Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett and Dawn Pomfret from Manchester’s Transforum Support group.
For more information about Sparkle, visit www.sparkle.org.uk
To report hate crime, call 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit www.report-it.org.uk. You can also report hate crime at a range of non-police locations. For more information about third-party reporting centres, visit www.gmpcc.org.uk/hatecrime
Deputy PCC Jim Battle presenting a certificate to mark Sparkle’s 10th anniversary last year
