'They're de-humanising us' - Openly gay Blackpool councillor Matthew Thomas abused at pro-trans march

A Blackpool councillor has hit out at protesters for “spreading hatred” and trying to intimidate participants in a recent Trans Walk in the town.

Cllr Matthew Thomas, who is an openly gay man, says he was appalled when one protester shouted that the Trans community should be “slaughtered”.

He also says they were surrounded and intimidated by the counter-protesters during the event on Wednesday August 5.

A 42 year old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching a restraining order but was later released without charge.

The march was organised and led by local drag performer Miss BB Brookes, alongside support from Blackpool Pride Festival and Love & Pride Productions North West. Among those taking part was Blackpool South MP, Chris Webb.

It was staged in protest after new rules by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) came into force across England, Scotland, and Wales on August 5 stating that single-sex spaces—including public toilets and changing rooms—should be used based on biological sex (birth sex) rather than a person's acquired gender identity.

Opponents say these new rules will create additional challenges for a community which is already vulnerable.

What councillor said

Cllr Thomas, a Labour representative for Blackpool’s Brunswick ward, said: “ The Trans Walk was organised by the community to raise awareness, increase visibility and educate.

“It came from a place of love and support. Unfortunately counter protesters intervened to spread hatred and suppress freedom of speech. During the walk we were surrounded and intimidated, but we didn't engage physically, we were just there to be visible, to educate and raise awareness.

“I’m proud of the way we didn’t respond to that kind of intimidation. After the walk the counter protesters gathered outside Kaos, with one filming a video saying that we "all need slaughtering".

“The language used was very deliberate, using words equating with animals - they’re trying to de-humanise us. It’s really sad that we just want to use the toilet and they want us to die.”

Cllr Thomas says that any future events involving the LGBT+ community should be policed more heavily to prevent marchers being harassed and intimidated to such an extent. He said: “They were right in our faces and perhaps in future any counter-protesters should be kept at more of a distance.

“We all have a right to protest but the way they went about it was to try and prevent us having our rights.”