Pride Organisers of town’s historic first event speak out after ‘hate’ incidents

ORGANISERS have insisted “hate has no place” at Pride events in Gloucestershire after “intimidating” behaviour at a town’s first-ever festival.

Pride in Gloucestershire reported “transphobic defacing of our banner and an active box of fireworks thrown from a car outside the hall whilst we were setting up” at Tewkesbury Pride.

They say the incidents, who took place on August 7, had been reported to police.

However, the organisers said such behaviour was only from a “small group” and the response to the Pride event was otherwise hugely positive, with an “unexpected” turnout showing their support for LGBTQ+ communities.

Tewkesbury Pride took place at Watson Hall. Throughout the event, there was lots of live entertainment and a wide range of community and trader stalls. The incidents failed to overshadow what was otherwise described as a “fantastic” day.

In a statement, Pride in Gloucestershire said: “We had a fantastic time making history with Tewkesbury’s firstever LGBTQ+ Pride. The day saw a pleasantly unexpected turnout and vocal support for providing for the rural LGBTQ+ communities.

“We did, however, experience unpleasant behaviour from a small group of individuals that included transphobic defacing of our banner and an active box of fireworks thrown from a car outside the hall whilst we were setting up the event.

“These incidents have been reported to the police.”

The statement added: “We would like to make it clear that any such future attempts to intimidate our rich communities will not be tolerated.

“Despite this, the event proved to us its importance in rural areas like Tewkesbury, and we are thoroughly looking forward to returning next year.

“We would like to make one thing clear – Pride in Gloucestershire will always support our trans siblings. We have a strong relationship with Trans* Gloucester and have recently accepted one of their co-founders onto our board of trustees.

“We look forward to working harder to campaign for a better existence for our trans community. Hate has no place at our events or within Gloucestershire.”

We would like to make it clear that any such future attempts to intimidate our rich communities will not be tolerated Pride in Gloucestershire