A number of police stations in the Isle of Man are today flying a rainbow flag.

The flag represents gay, lesbian and transsexual people.

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

The police are flying the flag in a show of support and to mark the day on the Isle of Man.

Inspired by other ’world-theme days’, IDAHO originated in Canada but is now celebrated widely in other countries around the world.

It is a day to be celebrated by all types of organisations - including employers, private businesses, and governments thatwhich support equality for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community.

The police say: ’IDAHO is also an opportunity to expose and discourage the various forms of discrimination against the LGBT community, including the increasing threat of cyber bullying and harassment.

’According to a US study, twice as many LGBT students report being victimised by cyber-bullying compared with their heterosexual peers, and one-third of youngsters bullied online experience symptoms of depression.’