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300 police officers will be taking part in Manchester’s Gay Pride Parade this Saturday. This is the largest ever number of police officers marching in a gay pride parade to demonstrate their support for the LGBT community.

Senior police officers including Cheshire Police’s chief constable and incoming Greater Manchester Police chief Peter Fahy will also participate, reports PinkNews.

Sgt Julie Barnes-Frank, coordinator of Greater Manchester Police’s Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation said: “I am totally overwhelmed with the response we have had this year. It is fantastic that so many police officers and staff are taking part and it’s a credit to them. Each year our presence gets bigger and bigger and this year it is true to say there’s never been anything like it in the world.”

“It shows just how far we have moved on over the past 18 years. To have so many people take part in Pride, whether they be gay or straight, is something I never dreamed I would see and it makes me so proud to be a police officer.

“This sends out a strong and clear message that I hope gives confidence to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals living in Manchester, the North West and across the country that there are people in the police who are prepared to stand up and say they are gay.”

Manchester Pride takes place this weekend, with the Parade on Saturday 23 August 2008. Over 200,000 people will be watching as the parade moves through the streets of Manchester with up to 40,000 people attending the ‘Big Weekend’ event in Manchester’s Gay Village. It is the 18th annual Manchester Pride.

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