Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, is showing his support for the LGBTQIA+ community during Cumbria Pride month. Cumbria Pride takes place in the month of September and aims to promote diversity within the county, highlighting LGBT related issues and celebrating people of all sexualities.
Due to COVID-19, Cumbria Pride’s events have been cancelled but the organisation is still showing support online.
Speaking on Pride, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “It’s so important that everyone in Cumbria, and the UK, feel safe to be whom they are and proud of who they are.
“No one should ever feel threatened or be made to feel less than because of their sexuality and we, as a community, need to be allies for each other and celebrate one another. That’s why Cumbria Pride is so important – they create a welcoming space for anyone needing advice or are just looking to celebrate the community.
“I attend Pride every year to meet with and speak to visitors and it’s an incredible atmosphere and it’s a shame that this year’s events have had to have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
“Sexuality is a protected characteristic under law and I want everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community to know that the Police are allies and if you ever experience or witness a hate crime to report it to 101 or 999 in an emergency.
“Hate crime is unacceptable and the Police take all reports seriously so please do not stay silent.”
Alex Key, Virtual Project Manager, said: “Obviously COVID-19 has meant we could not go ahead with our physical pride event safely, however, as a committee we knew we had to still meet the needs of the LGBT+ community, many of whom have found themselves in very difficult circumstances during lockdown. For example, living with family who do not accept who they are. This is why we decided to do a virtual project with the aims to push for better representation, equal rights and to allow those who might need help and support to access it in a safe and welcoming space albeit different to usual.”
