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The Liverpool City Region Honours International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia
Today, the 17th of May, is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia.
The 17th of May has been recognised each year since 2004 as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia. It was chosen to signify the importance that on the 17th of May 1990, the World Health Organisation made the decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The cover image of this article is an original illustration of the City's famous Rainbow Street Signs which celebrates the Liverpool City Region's Pride Quarter. The Pride Quarter is centred on Stanley Street in the City Centre.
Liverpool has a rich LGBTQ+ history that is is sadly filled with countless despairing tales, such as the atrocious prosecution of gay men over hundreds of years around areas like Queens Square which is located in The Pride Quarter.
The City is also the place of enormous moments of significance that put the City Region on the global stage, and has placed it at the forefront of various LGBTQ+ movements that have helped make progress towards various rights and make steps towards equality.
Incredible examples of Liverpool's important LGBTQ+ story so far includes the partnership of Richie Wright with the Liverpool Culture Company to produce the groundbreaking 'Liverpool's Gay Tourism Guide', which garnered global recognition as far reaching as the New York Chamber of Commerce.
Another example being that the City is home to the UK's first officially recognised 'Gay Quarter', which was revitalised in July of 2021 as 'The Pride Quarter' to further secure its position as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the UK. The rebranding of the City Centre neighbourhood was backed by the Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation and Marketing Liverpool.
The Liverpool City Region is also the home of local, national and international LGBTQ+ icons, such as one of the first openly gay horror directors and the creator of Hellraiser, Clive Barker. There is also global superstar, lead singer of the band Dead Or Alive and all round Scouse icon, Pete Burns. As well as legendary Manager of The Beatles, Brian Epstein. Not to mention the much adored national treasure, Paul O'Grady.
So much crucial LGBTQ+ history has happened in Liverpool, with the City Region and its people showing no sign of slowing down in making progress and making the City and the wider world as a whole, a safe place for everyone.