Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner has come out in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across the world who are living under oppression, on the eve of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

IDAHO is held on 17 May each year to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

On Friday, Tony Lloyd joined Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy to raise the rainbow flag above police headquarters.

‘Flying the rainbow flag above police headquarters sends out an important message, not just to Greater Manchester residents, but also to LGBT people across the world,’ said Lloyd.

‘It is sadly still the case that many states sanction, encourage and legislate for homophobia and transphobia. In parts of the world LGBT people face imprisonment, torture and sometimes death, simply because of their sexuality.

‘By having a state institution like the police fly the rainbow flag in this country, it demonstrates there is hope for those who live under oppression. It shows that equality is possible and it shows that they do not stand alone.

‘The last time England won the World Cup, homosexuality was illegal. The road to equality was long and rocky, but now we have equal marriage and LGBT people make an open and vibrant contribution to the success of our nation. I’m proud that GMP are willing to take a stand for equality, and I’m proud that Greater Manchester is a beacon of hope for LGBT people across the world.’

Meanwhile, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) have launched a new web app to make it easier for LGBT people to report hate crime. The mobile phone-optimised website will enable people to quickly and easily (and anonymously if needed) report hate crime incidents.

Darren Knight, development manager for the LGF, added: ‘By working with organisations like ours, GMP is showing its commitment to ensuring that all people across Greater Manchester are kept safe and have the support they need. We will continue to work together to tackle the hate that LGBT communities sometimes face.’