Pride in London condemns anti-trans protest as ‘vile’: ‘We are sorry’

Pride in London was heavily criticised on Saturday for allowing a small anti-trans group to lead the parade. They have now issued an apology and condemned the protest as against the spirit of Pride.

As PinkNews reported yesterday, the anti-trans group GetTheLOut were allowed to lead the parade during over 47 minutes that our reporter filmed live. The small group of women showed banners with anti-trans slogans and handed out extreme transphobic literature, to the mixed bemusement of Pride attendees who had been expecting the Mayor of London to lead the parade with NHS staff.

Pride in London initially issued a statement that the parade start had ‘gone as planned,’ before issuing a second that said they had allowed the anti-trans group to lead the march under concerns for safety due to hot weather.

Last night Mayor of London’s office issued a statement condemning the hijack of the parade – at a point when Pride in London had only said that they ‘did not condone’ the anti-trans group.

Over 24 hours later, Pride in London have now issued a full statement, rescinding their earlier positions and issuing an apology to trans attendees, finally condemning GetTheLOut’s actions.

The statement begins “We are sorry.

“Yesterday a group of individuals labelled as “Get The L Out!”, who were not a registered parade group, forced their way to the front of the parade to stand on the rainbow flag. Their behaviour was shocking and disgusting, and we condemn it completely.

“The lesbian board members at Pride in London made their anger towards the unsanctioned group clear and our organisation as a whole condemns their actions. The protest group showed a level of bigotry, ignorance and hate that is unacceptable.

“We reject what this group stands for. They do not share our values, which are about inclusion and respect and support for the most marginalised parts of our community.

“We are proud of our trans volunteers, proud of the trans groups that are in our parade, proud of our trans speakers at events and proud of the trans people who take part in our campaigns and proud of those who cheered even louder for them yesterday.”