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ORGANISERS FORCED TO PACK UP AFTER ALLEGED HATE INCIDENTS
PRIDE fundraisers were allegedly subjected to over 100 hate incidents in just three hours at a Warwickshire market over last weekend.
Warwickshire Pride set up a stall at Stratford-upon-Avon Market last Saturday, to promote their charity and to fundraise, but the day immediately took a turn for the worse.
At first, there was just one person manning the stand, and he immediately received verbal abuse from members of the public.
Chair of Warwickshire Pride, Daniel Browne said: “The first person who approached the stall shouted at our volunteer and told him that an LGBT+ stall has no place in Stratford.
“From then on over 100 people walked past the stall or approached it and either tutted, gave looks of disgust or made comments such as “that’s disgusting”, “I don’t wanna see that”, and “for f***’s sake, look at that”. One person also approached the stall to say that he has nothing against LGBT+ people because it’s an illness that people can’t help catching.
“The number of incidents was counted initially but the counting stopped when the total reached 100. The incidents took place from approximately 9am and lasted until around noon, at which time our volunteers decided to pack up the stall and leave Stratford.” Warwickshire Pride have since filed a report with Warwickshire Police, who have called hate crimes a high priority for the force. They said: “We know that on a national and local level hate crimes are underreported and are committed to ensuring all victims have the confidence to come forward and report any incidents or crimes to the police. “People who commit hate crimes are targeting people because of who they are and often victims are some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. This can have a devastating impact on the individual and the wider community.
“We guarantee that we will carry out a thorough investigation into every reported hate crime, aim to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure safeguarding measures are in place to look after victims and their families.”
Despite the hate, Warwickshire Pride have promised that they will no be deterred following this incident.
The 2015 Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire award winner Browne said: “Although what happened that day has been deeply upsetting and distressing, it has not deterred us from continuing to work for LGBT+ people in Stratford. If anything, we are more determined to ensure that LGBT+ people in Stratford feel safe and able to be who they are.
“For years, LGBT+ people in Stratford have told us that they do not feel safe there due to hate comments and looks they receive from people. We now fully understand why LGBT+ people in Stratford feel that way and will be doing all we can to ensure this trend does not continue. Furthermore, we are also organising an equality rally to take place in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 21st April. More details will be made available soon, but we encourage all LGBT+ people and allies to join us as we peacefully say no to hate and yes to equality in every way, as indeed these incidents show that while we have almost full equality in law there is still a long way to go until LGBT+ people are fully accepted socially.”
Stratford Council, and the Stratford Town Trust have been approached for comment.
Although what has happened that day has been deeply upsetting it has not deterred us from continuing to work for LGBT+ people. Daniel Browne