LFC to participate in Liverpool Pride

Celebrating all things LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender), the theme of this year's campaign is 'superheroes' and accompanying entertainment events will take place across the city during that weekend.

All staff at the club have been provided with thorough details of the event and invited to participate in the march, which gets underway at 12pm BST and starts from the iconic St George's Hall.

The march will subsequently progress via Lime Street, Queen Square bus station, Whitechapel, Lord Street, North John Street, James Street, the Strand and Mann Island before concluding at the Pier Head.

Rishi Jain, the club's social inclusion officer, said: "Last year, we were proud to be the first Premier League club to support a UK Pride March.

"For many years we have taken positive steps to promote our stance against homophobia and discrimination both on and off the pitch, and we continue with our commitment to ensuring that principles of inclusion are embedded into all areas of Liverpool Football Club.

"I am delighted to confirm that once again we will be participating in the Liverpool Pride event this year."

Among those entertaining the crowds later in the afternoon will be X-Factor star Amelia Lily and Black Lace, who headline a host of aspiring artists and performers.

The event strengthens the club's partnership with Liverpool Pride after the Reds became the first team in the Barclays Premier League to be involved with a Pride March in 2012.

Zoran Blackie, chair of Liverpool Pride, added: "I am delighted to have LFC as our supporters again this year, not just for flying my team's colours on the march, but lending support from their youth ambassadors in helping make the event happen.

"This shows LFC's commitment to the whole Merseyside community, and after all there's no rainbow flag to fly over the city without red (or blue) in it.

"We are really looking forward to working with the club and to work in partnership to support and deliver community projects all year round that help our mutual aims to promote equality in our city."

Liverpool Pride also represents another stage in the club's 'Embracing Difference Regardless' approach to equality and diversity, which has included a number of recent projects.

All staff attended an equality and diversity training programme at the end of 2012 and subsequently completed a survey which formed part of LFC's work with 'Kick It Out' - the game's equality and inclusion campaign.

Paul Amann, LGBT representative from the Liverpool FC Supporters' Committee, said: "Following on from last year's inaugural participation where the club was welcomed with great enthusiasm by LFC fans at Liverpool Pride, I know that this year's march will be bigger and better and can't wait to walk along with the club banner at Liverpool Pride 2013."

For more information regarding Liverpool Pride, visit their website.