Rainbow flag raised at Wallasey Town Hall to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

May 17 2011 By Lorna Hughes

THE rainbow flag was raised at Wallasey Town Hall today to mark IDAHO day - International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The colourful flag is an internationally recognised symbol of LGB (Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual) pride and celebration and last year was flown from key Wirral Council buildings for the first time.

Jim Wilkie, Chief Executive of Wirral Council said: ‘Wirral strives to be a place where everyone has the right to work and live in an environment that is inclusive, respectful and free from victimisation and hate.

"Raising the flag is a very public way of demonstrating our commitment to equality and celebrating our diverse communities.’

May 17 was chosen as IDAHO day because homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases on that day in 1992.