London Trans+ Pride addresses ‘punch TERFs’ speech and right wing backlash -TGN

Sarah Jane Barker said “if you see a TERF hit them in the face”

London Trans+ Pride issued a statement after a speaker at the event, Sarah Jane Baker, called for TERFs to be slapped in the face.

A speech by Baker was picked up by the right-wing press, after she told London’s Trans+ Pride crowd, “I’d come here and be really light-hearted and really nice, sweet and weird and gay… no, if you see a TERF, punch them in the face.”

TERF stands for trans-exclusive radical feminist, a subdivision of feminism that is critical of transgender identities and seeks to exclude trans and non-binary people from the women’s movement. The acronym has become a catchall term for anyone who holds so-called gender-critical views, even if they don’t subscribe to feminism.

The speech quickly went viral on social media and was condemned by a number of key gender-critical figures, with some calling on police to investigate the statement as a possible incitement to violence against women.

On Monday (July 10), London Trans+ Pride issued a statement on Instagram condemning calls for violence, while providing some context as to why Baker used the inflammatory words.

The message contains an email from Telegraph journalist Alex Barton asking for comment along with London Trans+ Pride’s response.

The group initially thanked Barton for reporting on the protest before criticizing the Telegraph’s decision to ignore “all videos inciting joy, care, compassion, love, peace, community and alliance” and focus on the single incident involving Barker.

“We don’t deny that this was said and done on our stage, but it is a telltale sign of your publication and your positioning towards trans+ lives and trans+ rights to pick this particular moment out of all the speeches that were shared,” the post read.

“Your publication is known in our community, and among our allies, for inciting continued hatred of transgender and gender nonconforming people in the way it portrays us, our lives, and what we (peacefully) march for each year.

“The choice to refer and/or focus on this specific moment in your reporting shows whose interests you represent.

“Would you condemn your readers who actively spread hate and incite violence against transgender people, as evidenced by many comments in comments to your articles online?”

The group went on to say that the “hatred, culture wars and massively distorted coverage of trans+ lives and our struggles in the UK media are (a) breeding ground for violence, harassment and wider oppression” against the trans community.

“Being unheard, listened to or actively undermined is not only deeply frustrating, disheartening and terrifying, it is also why people like Sarah and many others in our community hold a lot of anger and rage,” they explained.

“We do not condone violence. We do not support a call to arms for violence of any kind. We approve of justified anger. We have and will continue to march in peace.”

The Metropolitan Police said on Monday Daily mail it would be a reopening of an investigation into Baker’s speech, a decision by Interior Secretary Suella Braverman said she was “happy” about it.

The Pride event, which saw thousands of transgender people and allies flock to central London, took place on Saturday (July 8).

Participants draped in trans flags and holding politically charged placards marched from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park Corner before a number of people, including performance artist Travis Alabanza, model Munroe Bergdorf and Transgender Action Block representatives, addressed the crowd.

Following the lead of the official speakers, members of the public also had a chance to share their views, and that was when Baker stood up to speak.

During the event, a number of familiar faces, well-known groups and key activists were seen marching past the crowd.

Members of the pioneering grassroots football team TRUK carried a large flag with the team’s crest, while representatives from Labor for Trans Rights, LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, trans advocacy organization TransActual and London based charity Single Homeless Project, and author and co-chair of the Feminist Gender Equality Network, Doctor Natacha Kennedywere also in the crowd.

In addition, veteran activist Peter Tatchell was photographed holding a placard calling for transgender self-ID.

Speaking to PinkNews, he said: “In this toxic anti-trans atmosphere, it is important that we stand in solidarity with the trans community. No LGB without the T.

“Together we are stronger. We stand together with our trans friends.”