The second ‘Queer Night Pride’ demonstration will take to the streets in two key cities in response to the massive rise in hate crimes.
In Hackney on the evening of Friday August 27th and Bristol on Saturday August 28th.
Speakers include representatives from ‘LGBT Traveller Pride’, ‘The Transprisoner Alliance’, ‘UK Black Pride’, ‘Gay Liberation Front’, ‘Make Poland Queer Again’, ‘Queer China UK’ and drag queen Naya whom organised the recent Liverpool in solidarity with Josh Ormrod.
The BBC report that in the past year, there has been a 20% rise in reports to police of homophobic hate crime. Homophobic hate crime reports soar but charges fall.
The COVID pandemic has resulted in a massive increase in hate crime attacks against all marginalised communities who face a closure of their community spaces and services.
Fewer prosecutions despite rising number of complaints
Police data shows the number of homophobic hate crimes reported to police have more than doubled in the past five years – yet only 8% result in prosecutions, figures show.
Despite almost half of hate crime victims (45%) requiring emotional support, only 15% received any, leading to a sense of isolation and powerlessness (GALOP Hate Crime Report 2021 (1)).
The organisers told QX:
¨‘Queer Night Pride’ also exists to stand in solidarity to the growing international movement standing up to hate crime such as the hateful attack on Jakub Stary from Czech LUI Magazine, horrifying attack on Tbilisi Pride and the brutal murder of Samuel Luise in Spain.
Everyone is welcome to join to protest against the new wave of brutal attacks against marginalised communities across the UK. We will meet all attacks with resistance and protest.¨
Timings Queer Night Pride
London – Friday 27th August 10pm – Meeting Point – Dunston Road, E8, London travelling up Kingsland Road to Gillett Square by 11pm. Followed by an after party / fundraiser at Vogue Fabrics until 3am.
What The People Say
‘Even when hate crime doesn’t happen to you, knowing that someone was victimised due to an immutable characteristic which you also have sends chills through you. Whole communities feel the reverberations of a hate crime, and the message that we’re unsafe gets bolstered. Events like this, visibly and proudly challenging that feeling of isolation, therefore become vital.’ Tyler from Traveller LGBT+ Pride
‘For too long we have seen black and people of colour communities being decimated, hurt, in pain and in poverty. Hate crime against us is rising because of inequity. Now is the time where we stand up, shoulders to shoulders, side by side in solidarity with one and another. An injury to one is an injury to all.’ Stacy Martin, UK Black Pride
‘The Queer community must have the right to be visible and go about our business as we please. Night Pride is a protest to show we are not ashamed and will not be forced back into the closet nor will we tolerate attacks or assaults verbally or physically.’ Ian Johns, Gay Liberation Front (GLF)
‘We are seeing a sharp rise in anti-Asian hate crime in the UK and abroad. Queer Chinese individuals experience “double whammy” of racism and homophobia. We hope to remind people to stay alert to the history of ostracization and discrimination against queer community in the society through Queer Night Pride.’ Qiuyan and Jamie, Queer China UK
‘NIGHT PRIDE (Is a protest). Not a demand for equality. Not a demand for better policing. Not a demand for mere tolerance and acceptance. We are revolting, and we will have true liberation! We will hold hands, share affection, kiss our friends and lovers wherever we want. We won’t be confined to the safety of our homes, clubs and community spaces. We will express our gender identity in any way we damn please. We will not hide the many ways in which we express our sexuality/ies. We are unapologetic and unashamed. We are authentic and real. We are many and We will no longer be attacked. FIGHT BACK!’ Queer Night Pride collective organisers
‘We are not shadows of the past, hiding behind curtains of shame and fear. We are not a dream of a future that can never be realised. We are here, now, and with love, support and sheer determination, we can create a safer and more equal society where none of us have to live in fear. With love to you all,´ Sarah Jane Baker C.E.O TRANSPRISONER ALLIANCE.CO.UK
‘Our day to day being and physical safety in reality is not protected by equality legislation. We validate ourselves. We see each other. Night Pride is just this – a validation for ourselves and of ourselves. You can look but you can’t touch.’ Jack Ash
Night Pride is a reminder to everyone that queers are united and we don’t turn a blind eye to hate crime. Every incident will be met with a response. We won’t be pushed back into the closet and we want to empower and raise confidence of each member of our queer community. Marcin Gawin, QNP organiser, Bristol
Night Pride – Hundreds protest in East London against rise in LGBT+ hate crime
