Pride event adds extra security after LGBTQ+ banner set alight in Rushden
An LGBTQ+ event is implementing additional security measures after a Pride banner was burned by homophobes just a few days after it was put up.
Residents in Rushden, Northamptonshire, were left ’devastated’ after the banner, created for a three-day Pride event, was left with large, black holes scorched through it.
It lasted only four days after being set up on some local railings last Wednesday, with the burn marks appearing on Saturday.
This is not the group’s first banner. Their original one suddenly disappeared after being placed outside of an Asda on Washbrook Road.
Sapphire Matthewman, one of the organizers of Rushden Pride, said she was ’distraught’ upon finding out their latest banner, which cost around £160, was set on fire.
She told Metro: ’It’s not surprising, when we announced the event with one of the banners there were loads of comments saying “burn it”.’
’I can’t talk about it without crying. Because it’s not just affecting us, we have partnered with two charities, Serve and Stonewall. It feels like they are targeting them too.’
Rushden Pride will still proceed despite the banner burning, but with increased security measures.
Sapphire said police will patrol the event, and there will be tightened security on who can enter.
Traya Buns, a drag queen who paid £160 out of their own pocket for the now-burned banner, described it as a ’kick in the gut’ as homophobia rises in the area.
They told Metro: ’Something inside me told me this banner, like the last one, wouldn’t last.’
Traya said they have experienced a growing number of homophobic assaults in public.
This includes being called a ’tranny’ in public and spending hours deleting social media accounts.
Thames Valley Police: ’The incident occurred between 9pm on Friday, June 5, and midday on Saturday, June 6, and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team is investigating it not only as an act of criminal damage but also as a suspected hate crime.’
’In addition, the team is also investigating the theft of a previous banner.’
’We are engaging with the organizers of Rushden Pride and the local LGBT+ community regarding this incident and upcoming Pride events. Anyone with concerns is welcome to contact us.’
World Affairs Correspondent
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
