Police will patrol Liverpool's Pride Quarter in response to fears prompted by a spate of homophobic attacks in the city centre.
The high visibility reassurance work will be combined with additional support from plain clothed officers as Merseyide Police attempts to combat a rise in trouble.
A number of high profile incidents have sparked anger within the region's LGBT+ community, concern that has been echoed by city leaders.
READ MORE: Homophobic and transphobic attacks spark peaceful march through Liverpool city centre
Protesters marched through the city centre today in a major demonstration against the violence and abuse.
The peaceful campaign saw supporters holding signs and placards with messages that included "Gays don't go to hell, they go to Beyoncé concerts" and "Our queer love cannot be taken, our queer joy cannot be taken".
Disturbing attacks over recent weeks included the knifepoint assault of three men on Bold Street during which the victims received homophobic abuse.
Another incident saw three young people attacked and abused with transphobic slurs on Roe Street.
This afternoon, Merseyside Police repeated a pledge to increase patrols in the city centre initially made last week.
The force added high visibility patrols would also patrol the Pride Quarter in the coming days and weeks "to reassure everyone who wishes to visit the city that they can do so safely".
Superintendent Sarah Kenwright said: “The incidents we have seen in the city in recent weeks have understandably caused anger and some fear among those communities targeted with homophobic and transphobic abuse.
“It is heartening to see so many speak in solidarity with the victims, and to say with a united voice that such behaviour simply has no place in Merseyside.
“We share that determination to ensure everyone – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – can go out and enjoy themselves in this city.
“The recent increase in incidents involving LGBT+ victims has, sadly, mirrored an increase in crime experienced as lockdown restrictions were eased.
“But wherever people from Merseyside are being abused or attacked simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we will not stand by."
Supt Kenwright said officers would be visiting venues across the Pride Quarter and the city centre to engage with staff and customers and to reassure them.
She added: “Merseyside has a well-deserved reputation for being a diverse and welcoming area, and there is simply no place here for hate.”
The Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation said it was committed to working with Merseyside Police to "raise awareness, challenge hate crime and importantly, maintain a constructive dialogue with the Liverpool City Region's LGBT+ community".
The Michael Causer Foundation, set up in memory of Whiston teenager Michael, who was murdered in 2008, added: “It is almost 13 years since we lost Michael Causer - a life cut short by abhorrent homophobia.
"While our city region has always been welcoming and supportive of our truly diverse culture, these most recent events show we cannot be complacent in tackling homophobic attacks on our community.
“We welcome the support and vigilance of our friends in Merseyside Police in addressing this most recent spate of hate crime on our city streets.”
The spate of attacks has caused concern among city leaders, with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell condemning the violence and abuse on Monday.
Today, Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, who also spoke at the city centre demonstration, said: “I have spent my whole adult life standing up to hate. Having worked in the Crown Prosecution Service for ten years fighting hate crime, I am fully aware of how these horrific crimes impact on people and communities.
“I’m appalled by the recent spate of homophobic attacks and I want the victims to know that they have our wholehearted support. Not just that of the city council, but also local businesses, community organisations, taxi drivers and many more – we are all here for you.”
