In the last five years, hate crimes based on sexual orientation have increased by 112%, with crimes against trans individuals increasing by 11% in the past year, according to ONS data.

These stark figures come as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) approaches on the 17th May.

IDAHOBIT commemorates the date the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder and draws attention to the violence and discrimination still experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

This continued rise in hate crimes is being felt all across the UK with LGBTQ+ organisations working tirelessly to educate the wider population on the true impact of this continuing bigotry.

Manchester Pride, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, is no stranger to the ongoing issue of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Conducting an annual survey of the Greater Manchester area, the charity has seen a demand for action in tackling hate crime for three consecutive years.

With nearly half (45%) of the LGBTQ+ community asking for more to be done in the fight against hate crime, it is clear that experiencing abuse and violence because of your sexual orientation is a sad reality for many. This is further supported by research conducted by Galop, revealing that 64% of LGBTQ+ individuals who were victims of hate crimes also experienced abuse or violence.

Manchester Pride prioritises education to demonstrate the true impact faced by LGBTQ + people. Its ongoing ‘I Choose Kindness’ campaign features real life victims of hate crime to put faces to the reports and build a sense of empathy.

Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, emphasises the critical role of education to enact change: “The continued rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community is deeply troubling," says Fletcher.

“Through our ongoing initiatives, such as our I Choose Kindness campaign and the All Equals Charter, we hope to educate communities, businesses and political leaders and build a deeper understanding of what LGBTQ+ people face for just being themselves.

“IDAHOBIT comes at a critical point within the current political and social landscape. It's time we ensure no one is left behind and promote a sense of equality and freedom regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.”

For more information about Manchester Pride and the ‘I Choose Kindness’ campaign plus the charity’s ongoing efforts to address LGBTQ+ hate crimes, visit: manchesterpride.com/I-Choose-Kindness.