A Statement from Warwickshire Pride

We are horrified and deeply concerned by the transphobic hate speech of members of the Conservative government, including comments made by Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch.

As trustees of Warwickshire Pride, we wholly condemn the comments that have been made and the ongoing transphobia in the UK.

Trans people are under increasing attack, which is now being sanctioned and led by the Conservative government. We will not stand for this.

Trans men are men. Trans women are women. Non-binary people exist and are valid. Trans rights are human rights.

We continue to stand alongside trans people and will always stand up to hate.

We would also like to express our support for other communities under attack by the Conservative government; specifically people on benefits, asylum seekers and refugees, and those from marginalised communities.

We confirm that the Conservative Party is now banned from Warwickshire Pride events until they end their transphobic onslaught and begin to treat trans people with the dignity, respect and kindness they deserve. Individual LGBT+ members of the Conservative Party, particularly those who oppose and are fighting against what their party is saying, are of course welcome and we support you. However, the Conservative Party is not welcome until it changes.

If you have been affected by what’s happened, please reach out to us. We are here for you, now and always. We have various social support groups to attend, plus a pay what you can afford counselling service. Please don’t feel you are alone. There is a whole community here for you, and a charity that has your back.

Extra support will be available at our groups. We have also offered emotional support to our team of staff and volunteers who may be affected by the current situation.

Hate will never win. It must be called out and challenged. Pride is a protest. It started as a protest. It still is a protest.

With love, pride, and solidarity,

Dan, Penny, Chris, Healey, Nukey, Nik, Jack, Simon, Naomi and Stuart
The Trustees of Warwickshire Pride