Pride progress flag raised at Rochdale Town Hall ahead of IDAHOBIT

Friday, 16 May 2025 17:27

By David Murphy

Rochdale marked the upcoming International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with a flag-raising ceremony outside the town hall today, 16 May.

The Pride progress flag was raised by the borough’s new mayor, Councillor Janet Emsley, in one of her first civic duties since taking office. She was joined by her consort and husband, Ken Emsley.

IDAHOBIT, observed globally every 17 May, raises awareness of discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ people and promotes equal rights, safety and dignity for all. The day, founded in 2004, is now recognised in more than 155 countries.

Members of the LGBTQI community, local organisations and councillors attended the event, which took place in front of Rochdale’s Town Hall.

The raising of the flag symbolised a shared commitment to inclusion and a visible stand against prejudice and violence directed at LGBTQIA+ individuals.

In June the borough will hold it's 2nd Rochdale In Rainbows event at Rochdale Town Hall since the re-opening which features a parade around the Town Hall, more about this will be available on our Events page.

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