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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Danny Rigg

Simple gesture people are being encouraged to do to support LGBTQ community

Liverpool MP Dan Carden is encouraging local businesses to display Pride flags in their windows as a show of solidarity with Liverpool's LGBT+ community.

A series of attacks in Liverpool city centre sparked fear, anger and defiance among LGBT+ people in Merseyside and further afield.

Instagram posts detailing the violent assaults that left young people battered and bruised went viral online.

READ MORE: Frightened schoolgirl flees after man tries to lure her into car

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell both condemned the suspected hate crimes.

The LGBT+ community in Liverpool came out in force last week to protest against the recent violence. Recently-elected Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson spoke at the rally.

And now, Mr Carden, who is gay, posted a video on his social media accounts showing him walking around talking to people at local businesses.

In the video, he said of the recent violence against LGBT+ people: "We're going to talk to some local businesses and encourage them to put up Pride flags to show that they are a safe space and also as a show of solidarity.

He added: "We've got to have people speaking up that this is not acceptable. That's what Pride is all about."

Samuel East, LGBT+ officer in Carden's Walton constituency Labour Party, who was with the MP on the walkaround, said: "There's been a real influx in really worrying hate crimes against primarily young LGBT people. So it's important to get this network of safe spaces for people in the community so that everyone can feel safe in our city."

Dan Carden spoke in the House of Commons today about his experience of growing up gay and the impact that had on his mental health and his abuse of alcohol.

He said: "You may be questioning your relationships, your gender, your sexuality. It is frightening.

"There's good reason to be fearful. Coming out is scary, and you might suffer because of it. But what you probably haven't been told is that hiding who you are into adulthood, will cause you far more suffering anyway."

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