By Sahir CEO, Simon Harris.    

Liverpool celebrates Pride later this month, on 25 July. Now is a moment to reflect on what Pride is really about.

More than 60 countries still criminalise same-sex relationships. In several, simply being LGBTQ+ can still cost you your freedom—or even your life.

Across the world, trans people continue to be demonised, subjected to violence and denied basic dignity simply for existing.

Online, LGBTQ+ people are abused every day. Lies spread through algorithms that reward outrage, turning hate into profit. Too many social media companies have decided that engagement matters more than truth.

In Russia, a gay nightclub owner has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being accused of involvement with an alleged “international LGBTQ+ movement.”

In Uganda, one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws continues to threaten lives, with severe prison sentences and even the death penalty in some circumstances.

In Hungary, governments have sought to restrict Pride events and LGBTQ+ visibility, attempting to push our community out of public life.

This is why Pride matters.

Pride began as a protest. Somewhere along the way it also became a celebration; and we do have so much to celebrate. But we must never forget that its purpose has always been to demand equality, visibility and justice.

On July 1 many companies will quietly take down their rainbow flags until next June. Equality is not a marketing campaign. Pride cannot be something we pack away with the bunting. It must be a year-round commitment.

Here in Liverpool, we have the chance to show the world what this city stands for.

Let’s demonstrate the true Merseyside spirit. Let’s show that ours is a city built on kindness, solidarity and compassion. A city that welcomes people rather than judges them. A city that stands beside those who are marginalised instead of turning its back.

I’m incredibly proud that **Sahir** will once again be at the heart of Liverpool Pride, helping to make the day welcoming, inclusive and safe for everyone.

If Pride isn’t your thing -if the crowds feel overwhelming, the music is too loud, or you simply need a quieter way to cel ebrate—you are not forgotten.

Access Pride, organised by Sahir, offers a calmer, more accessible Pride experience where everyone belongs. It’s a welcoming space to meet friends, enjoy entertainment, access support or simply take a breather. Pride should be accessible to everyone, and Access Pride helps make that a reality. READ MORE HERE

At Sahir, we also support dozens of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum. Many have fled countries where they faced persecution because of who they are. Too often, they arrive here only to face suspicion, hostility or prejudice because of who they love or where they come from.

Let’s make sure Liverpool Pride is the one day of the year when every LGBTQ+ asylum seeker feels truly welcomed, embraced and safe. Then let’s challenge ourselves to make the other 364 days feel exactly the same.

When Liverpool marches on 25 July, let’s make a promise that our commitment won’t end when the last rainbow flag comes down.

Until every LGBTQ+ person can live openly, safely and equally, none of us should be complacent.

Over the next twelve months, let’s continue campaigning—not for special treatment, but for the same rights, the same dignity and the same acceptance as everyone else.

That’s what Pride is.

That’s what Liverpool stands for.

And that’s the message we should send to the world.