IDAHOT

It's the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) today and, having been on this year's Liverpool organising committee - alongside fellow gluttons for punishment Lorraine, Phil and Adam - I was relieved that everything went pretty much to plan, apart from an unfortunate problem with the (lack of) PA system...

This year, aside from information stalls, a range of workshops to suit as many people as possible, entertainment (hurrah for the Liverpool LGBT Community Choir!), a visit from the Lord Mayor and a seriously delicious buffet, we decided to focus on a couple of themes in particular. Firstly, the issues facing LGBT refugees and people seeking asylum in this country - Liverpool being the UK Border Agency's main 'dispersal' centre in NW England - and secondly the ongoing discrimination and stigma faced by transgender men and women and the inspirational ways in which the local trans community is responding. We had a great line-up of speakers on both themes including today's blip subject, Dan, who together with his colleague Sophie, spoke about the amazing progress of the Liverpool Trans website and associated activities over the past few months.

It was great to have so many activists, community members and grassroots organisations gathered together celebrating our achievements and remembering all those across the world who are not as lucky as we are. Thanks to everyone who was involved in making the day a success!