Manchester Pride has produced a short film entitled ‘I Choose Kindness’, which is set to premiere on 19th October during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, in a bid to tackle the ongoing issue of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.
In the last three years, in Greater Manchester, hate crimes due to sexual orientation have increased by 69%, while hate crimes against transgender people surged by 115%. Manchester Pride has warned that this stark reality underscores the need for urgent action to ensure inclusivity, equality, and unwavering respect for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
‘I Choose Kindness’ opens with remarks from ex Prime Minister David Cameron championing the UK as the “best place in Europe to be LGBTQ+”, which comes in steep contrast to recent remarks regarding trans individuals made by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
With transgender hate crimes surging by 11%, nationally, in the past 12 months, Manchester Pride has strongly condemned Mr Sunak’s views, and called for the need to confront the discrimination faced by trans people at the highest level of Government.
Manchester Pride’s film, which showcases real life victims of hate crimes, highlights the abuse, violence and intimidation faced by LGBTQ+ people and encourages people to ‘choose kindness’ and show each other compassion so everyone feels safe to be their true selves.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “Nobody should be subject to verbal abuse, violent behaviour, physical attacks, or blackmail, especially not because of their sexual orientation or gender.
“‘I Choose Kindness’ is a powerful tool in our fight against hate crime, as it emphasises the importance of community, solidarity, and allyship.”
The video forms part of Manchester Pride’s wider ‘I Choose Kindness’ campaign, dedicated to promoting an inclusive and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community. The campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of hate crime, providing resources for its victims and allies, and promoting a culture of kindness and respect throughout the celebration of LGBTQ+ expression and culture.
