A new foundation focused on making the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK has launched with the support of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Wendy Simon and council leaders from Wirral and Knowsley.

The LCR Pride Foundation was established in early 2019 with the aim of extending the reach of Pride across the whole of the Liverpool City Region. It will deliver a full calendar of campaigns, social and cultural events, including the annual Pride festival, as well as supporting collaborative working and providing wider-reaching engagement activities.

Knowsley and Wirral will be the first two boroughs outside of Liverpool that the foundation will work within.

Co-Chair of the LCR Pride Foundation Andi Herring said:

“The foundation has been established to build on the history of Liverpool Pride and champion the rights of LGBT+ people living in and visiting the region. As an organisation we fight to highlight the daily barriers LGBT+ people face, with the ultimate aim of creating an inclusive culture for all to enjoy and participate in. We want our message to be heard not just in the city centre, but across the six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region. Working collaboratively with local councils, their leaders and LGBT+ people within their communities will be absolutely vital to our success.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Building on Pride’s achievements, by extending its reach to the wider city region, is very positive news for LGBT+ communities. I am committed to a fully-inclusive city region and I look forward to working with our local authority colleagues to celebrate this year’s programme.”