The Rainbow Flag will fly from the roof of Bolton Central Library to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia today.

Created in 2004, the day is now recognised in more than 130 countries as a celebration of sexual and gender diversities.

The day also seeks to “draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics”.

Working closely with its key partners and the local community, Bolton Council is committed to raising awareness of hate crimes and tackling discrimination.

A hate crime is an offence perceived to be motivated by prejudice towards someone based on their ethnic origin, religion, gender identity, sexuality, disability, or lifestyle.

Along with Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council has developed a local action plan which will deliver key projects and initiatives.

 

Bolton to raise the rainbow flat

Bolton to raise the rainbow flat

 

This includes grant funding, available through Bolton CVS, for community groups to raise awareness of hate crime directly amongst local communities.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We are proud to fly the Rainbow Flag to mark this important day and to challenge the prejudice and discrimination that many still face.

“As a council, we are working to raise awareness of hate crime so that residents have the confidence to identify it and report it.

“Hate crime not only harms victims, it harms our whole community.”

Victims of hate crime can report it by:

• Calling the police on 101

• Online, via the True Vision website

• Visiting a hate crime Reporting Centre for details of where they are located

After May 17, the Ukrainian flag will return to the roof of Central Library as a mark of Bolton Council's ongoing support for the victims of the conflict.