Vile trolls target loved ones of trans activist Lily Summers hours after death
Loved ones of a trans activist and Labour candidate who died suddenly have been targeted with abuse by online trolls.
Abusers sent messages misgendering the deceased activist, while also aiming insults at those seen posting their commiserations.
In one post, the main abuser posted a photo appearing to be US president-elect Donald Trump, writing: “Because you haven’t been put into an oven yet.”
PinkNews understands the trolls – who could face several years behind bars if caught – have been reported.
One online abuser was sentenced to two years behind bars for posting anti-semitic Tweets to Labour MP Luciana Berger earlier this month.
Lily Jayne Summers died in her home town of Stoke after being taken ill a week ago.
She was a final year student at Swansea University and had recently been selected to run for council in Uplands, Swansea – thought to be one of the first openly trans people selected by Labour.
Friends, fellow activists and LGBT campaigners of several political parties have paid tribute to Lily on Twitter.
We have lost a shining light from the Labour movement. We love you and we will miss you? https://t.co/eXcYzrKYyQ
— LGBT+ Labour Wales (@LGBTLabourWales) December 19, 2016
Such heartbreaking news. A rising star and a respected member across the party. RIP @MissLilySummers https://t.co/EPw0l68iIn
— Liron Velleman (@vellstells) December 19, 2016
We’ve lost one of the brightest stars in our movement this week. She was a credit to our Party and to @LabourStudents. Rest in peace Lily. X https://t.co/t7v3jG9tO6
— Kate Dearden (@kate_dearden) December 19, 2016
Remembering our dear friend and colleague, Lily Summers. Rest in Peace, we all love you so very much. https://t.co/LtLyHMgmhR
— Welsh Young Labour (@WelshYoungLab) December 19, 2016
Statement on the death of Lily Summers https://t.co/lATDHCLKwm
— LGBT+ Lib Dems (@LGBTLD) December 19, 2016
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It is with great shock and sadness that we have learnt of the tragic and sudden death of Lily Jayne.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this terrible time for them.
“Lily was such a vibrant and enthusiastic person and it is so tragic that she has passed away at such a young age with such a bright future before her.”
