Liverpool’s oldest HIV and LGBTQ+ charity has sent a message of condolence and solidarity to Berlin Pride following the attack on its community.

Simon Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Sahir, has written personally to Berlin Pride’s Marcel Voges on behalf of the charity’s staff, volunteers, trustees and service users.

The letter expresses Sahir’s heartfelt condolences to everyone affected and pays tribute to the staff and volunteers who work throughout the year to make Pride events possible.

Simon Harris said: “Pride is a labour of love, created by people who simply want our communities to be visible, safe and celebrated. To see that met with violence is heartbreaking and deeply upsetting.

“Pride has always been about far more than a parade. It is our promise to those who came before us, our commitment to those who come after us, and our refusal to allow hatred to define who we are.

“As Liverpool celebrated our own Pride this weekend, our thoughts were with Berlin. An attack on one Pride is an attack on us all, and our communities are strongest when we stand together across borders.”

Sahir has offered its friendship and support to Berlin Pride and praised the courage and commitment of everyone involved in organising the event.

Simon added: “Moments like this remind us why Pride remains as necessary today as ever. We send our love, sympathy and unwavering solidarity from Liverpool to everyone affected in Berlin.”

The complete letter from Sahir to Berlin Pride can be read HERE. 

ENDS

Notes to editors

Sahir is Liverpool’s oldest HIV and LGBTQ+ charity. It provides support to people living with HIV, members of LGBTQ+ communities and LGBTQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum across the Liverpool City Region.

Media enquiries:
Simon Harris
Chief Executive Officer, Sahir
simon.harris@sahir.org.uk