Love, without Hate…. #IDAHOT

May 17 is marked every year, as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia #IDAHOT   

The movement aims to raise awareness of the continuing homophobia and transphobia experienced by many people worldwide, encouraging local agencies to show their support for diversity and inclusion by making a stand against hate crime.

The day was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media, and the public in general to these issues, and to promote a world of tolerance, respect and freedom regardless of people's sexual orientations or gender identities.
 
Although locally hate crimes in St.Helens are rare, they can have a devastating impact on victims.

That is why a number of local agencies have signed up to the, 'St.Helens No Place for Hate' pledge - demonstrating a commitment towards tacking hate crime in St.Helens.

Ahead of IDAHOT St. Helens Council is urging victims or witnesses of homophobic and transphobic hate crime to come forward and report the crime, and to reiterate the message that St.Helens is No Place for Hate!

Homophobia and transphobia target all people who don't conform to majority sexual and gender roles, and they affect the lives of everyone - to express themselves and their opinions freely, and to have the rights of their, friends, family members, and loved one's recognised.

Says Rod Jones, St. Helens Council's Community Safety Manager:  "Hate Crime is different to other types of crime because it is motivated by prejudice, creates tensions, and damages communities. There is a general duty placed on courts to treat hate crime offences more robustly than other types of crime due to the effect it can have on victims. We want to reiterate the message that St. Helens is No Place for Hate, and as much as May 17 is a day against violence and oppression, it is also a day to promote freedom, diversity and acceptance."

For more information about IDAHOT Day and to find out how you can support the movement and celebrate sexual and gender diversity, visit:  http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/

If you have been affected by hate crime in St.Helens, report it!  No one deserves to be targeted.

Contact Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or report it to Merseyside Police on 101.