The Manchester-based Lesbian & Gay Foundation has just launched a series of initiatives for IDAHO 2013, including the Flying the Flag project, a kiss-in flashmob, and a special May 17th vigil against homophobia, transphobia and bisphobia.

More than 90 events were reported in the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest national mobilisations of the year. Actions for the Global Rainbow Flashmob took place in London, Manchester, Brighton, Sheffield, Newcastle, Swansea and Glasgow. Foreign Secretary, William Hague, also underscored his, and the UK government’s, support for May 17, with a special statement published at the start of the Day.

As we get into the final countdown to IDAHOT 2013, the United Kingdom has emerged as a major hub for commemorations around the Day. Many of the best and brightest of the UK LGBTQI scene, and allies – from Radical Bookshops and the Pansy Project, to bus drivers in Derby and Fire Fighters in Shropshire, to the Lesbian & Gay

Young people from LGBT Youth Scotland’s ShhOUT group will be taking part in a workshop on the history of the rainbow flag, and competing in a rainbow treasure hunt – with glorious prizes.

MPs have voted 400 to 175 in supporting the government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill – a majority of 225 votes – following an afternoon of heated debate in the House of Commons.