Greater Manchester Police has raised the trans* flag in celebration of Sparkle this weekend.
The pink, blue and white flag was raised this morning by Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Jim Battle, Dawn Pomfret and Liz Anderson from Manchester’s TransForum Support Group.
Sparkle is a national event in celebration of trans diversity, offering people a safe environment to explore their gender whether they’re just starting out on the journey or have been out as a trans for a while.
As part of the event Greater Manchester Police will have a stand in Sackville Park on Saturday and Sunday and are running two workshops on personal safety and hate crime.
The ‘Police with Pride’ rainbow car will be in the village all weekend and officers will also take part in a Q&A at a hate crime event taking place at Friend’s Meeting House on Saturday.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “We’re proud to have such a fantastic national event on our doorstep and are delighted to raise the flag in celebration of difference, diversity and acceptance.
“Although only a small gesture, I hope raising the flag sends out a strong message that we remain committed to reducing trans hate crime and ensuring members of the trans community are treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else. “
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “I’m delighted to celebrate Sparkle and the valuable contribution trans people make to our society. It’s fantastic that this event is held in Manchester – a city renowned for its diversity and welcoming spirit. Sparkle helps build tolerance, understanding and respect of gender diverse people in our communities and I’m honoured to raise the flag in recognition of this event.
“I hope that this display of solidarity also sends a message of hope to the trans community that the Police and Crime Commissioner and GMP remain committed to working with them to raise awareness of trans hate crime and ensure police services meet their needs.”
Dawn Pomfret, TransForum Vice Chair, said: “This flag raising is an indication of the emerging spirit of co-production between the trans community and GMP in addressing transphobic hate crime.
“It also symbolises the collaboration in raising awareness amongst front line officers of how to treat trans people. This will empower members of GMP to provide a proper service, which incorporates dignity and respect for all trans people.”
For updates from officers at Pride weekend, please follow @GMPPrideNetwork on Twitter.
To report hate crime, please call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, visit www.report-it.org.uk or report via the True Vision app.
A transphobic hate crime is:
“Any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.”
