The University of Salford will host the first North West launch event to celebrate next year's LGBT History Month on 3 December.
Every February, LGBT History Month, celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Councillor Paul Murphy the chair of Greater Manchester Police Association will be at the launch event, alongside Vice-Chancellor of Salford University Professor Martin Hall, Professor Sheila Rowbotham as well as teachers, education professionals and civic leaders.
At the recent ‘Challenge Homophobia in Schools’ conference, Cllr Murphy made a plea to school managers to work closely with their local authority, teachers, pupils, the local community and the police to recognise that homophobic bullying is a hate crime and to make such criminality unacceptable in their schools.
He said: "If we challenge this deeply offensive and destructive behaviour in schools then my officers will have to spend less time trying to deal with such hate crime and the damage it causes to individuals, family and the wider community.
"We call on those responsible for the education of our youngsters to take a strong lead and ensure every education worker has the skills not just to challenge bullying, but to help create the kind of school culture where this hatred could never take root."
Professor Hall highlighted Salford's credentials for hosting the event, he said: “As a University we are committed to supporting our LGBT staff and students. And given our commitment and promise of continued support, it is fitting that our University is hosting this important event - at a time when we are seeing a rising level of homophobia in schools and colleges."
The launch will feature information focused on celebrating the achievements of LGBT people throughout history, and resources to help challenge homophobic bullying in schools. Exceeding Expectations – the schools project which tackles the issue of homophobic bullying in Manchester schools – will be at the launch providing help and advice.
For more information about attending the launch, visit:
www.lgbthmnorth.eventbrite.com