Brighton Pride '˜totally condemns' activists at London event

Pride in London apologised after a group of activists labelled as ‘Get The L Out’ – which says the trans movement affects lesbian rights – made its way to the front of the parade to stand on the rainbow flag on Saturday (July 7).

The organisers of the London event said ‘the protest group showed a level of bigotry, ignorance and hate that is unacceptable’.

After the incident, Brighton Pride said it ‘totally condemns’ the actions of activists, and that ‘robust action’ would be taken to ‘any hijacking’ of the Brighton parade.

An organisers’ statement said: “Brighton and Hove is recognised as a diverse and inclusive city and the home of the original TransPride. The Pride movement was begun by trans people and trans people will always be welcome at Brighton Pride. We are proud of our trans volunteers, groups and communities and we will not tolerate messages of hate against any participants of the LGBTQ+ community.

“This year’s Brighton and Hove LGBTQ+ Community Parade has had the largest number of entries ever and every community group who has applied has been allocated a slot.

“We will take robust action against any hijacking of the Brighton LGBTQ+ Pride Community Parade and the safety of all our participants is paramount.

“Brighton and Hove is a welcoming city that does not tolerate hate. We stand in solidarity with our trans community and Saturday August 4 will be a day of celebration and love for all our LGBTQ+ communities.”

Other LGBTQ groups have also spoken out after the incident.

Patricia Curtis, board member of TransPALS, said: “It’s disappointing that anti-trans activists decided to hijack the front of a parade, an insult to all the hardworking staff in the NHS whose place they stole.

“But their vile stunt failed. London is a place that doesn’t tolerate hate. The reaction of the crowds to our groups was inspiring. We felt their support and goodwill all the way from Portland Place to Trafalgar Square.

“Pride must look at what happened and see what lessons need to be learned before next year.

“We urge all our fellow Londoners to respond to the Government’s consultation on reforms to the Gender Recognition Act.”

Kristine Garina, president of European Pride Organisers Association, said: “The Pride movement was begun by trans people and trans people must always be welcome at Pride. We utterly condemn the transphobic, hateful protestors who blocked the Pride in London Parade yesterday.

“Hate has no place at Pride, and we stand with the organisers who have promised to review what happened to try and ensure it cannot happen again.”

Brighton Pride takes place from August 3 to 5.