Andy Burnham has today outlined his commitment to oppose all forms of conversion therapy in Greater Manchester.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has made the commitment on what is this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) – a day which was first created back in 2004 and aims to represent a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
Marked annually on 17 May – commemorating the World Health Organization’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990 – IDAHOBIT is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.
This year, Mr Burnham has joined forces on IDAHOBIT with Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Panel to announce a commitment to oppose the practice of conversion therapy in our region.
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Panel believes that the region’s people and communities are “our strongest voice for change”, and believes that through policy, research, action, and example, lives can be changed for the better.
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The panel is looking to make the region a “global example” of a respectful and safe place to live, work, and play.
🗣“Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone, and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community"
On #IDAHOBIT Andy and the LGBTQ+ panel have announced a commitment to oppose conversion therapy
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) May 17, 2022
Announcing his commitment to opposing conversion therapy and calling on other local organisations to join him in this opposition, Mr Burnham said in a statement today: “Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone, and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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“Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person [and] just as we won’t do business with those who promote discrimination or division, we believe that organisations that support, promote or facilitate conversion therapy for any member of the LGBTQ+ community should not be receiving public funding.
“Those organisations that support, promote, or facilitate conversion therapy or which campaign against the ending of conversion therapy should not be able to provide services on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or to receive support from the GMCA or its affiliated community funding streams.
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“I urge all public bodies, organisations and businesses in Greater Manchester to sign up to this commitment.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
17th May 2022 
