News / protest
Counter-protest disrupts ‘transphobic’ women’s rights rally
Armed with a multi-coloured flag, a lone person approached a group of dozens of people congregating on College Green soon after midday on Sunday.
“Terfs, go home,” they shouted to the Standing for Women group before being intercepted by a police officer.
The protester was one of more than 100 who turned out in Bristol city centre at a rally for women’s rights and a counter-protest for trans rights.
is needed now More than ever
The afternoon started with people coming together on College Green, waving LGBTQ+ and trans flags, sharing food and playing music.
But it gradually turned into a more hostile affair as the controversial women’s group’s rally, led by Kelly-Jay Keen, unfolded.
Speakers including the founder of Standing for Women, also known as Posie Parker, addressed a crowd of more than 100 people but was drowned out with boos, chants and blaring music.
“We’ll piss where we like,” the counter-protesters shouted at her as another with a handmade banner reading ‘Terfs out of Bristol’ blew a kazoo.
Parker responded holding a microphone, saying “this is men in dresses who will not be told no”.
A counter-protest is being staged on College Green one hour before a planned Standing for Women demonstration.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights pic.twitter.com/PgsTBsXvdi— Betty Woolerton (@bettywoolerton) June 19, 2022
At one point, Bristol’s annual naked bike ride snaked past the demonstration, attracting cheers from the anti-hate group who ran over to greet them.
The rally and a counter-protest saw a police presence of at least a dozen officers, who stood in between the two opposing groups as the afternoon wore on.
A protester who gave their name as B came to the protest to show solidarity with trans people.
They told Bristol24/7: “As someone who is also trans, it’s so important to be visible and present amongst my people who need the support. And it’s wonderful to see the turnout here and to see how supportive Bristol is of the trans community.”
Posie Parker is a ‘gender critical feminist’
Standing for Women describes its cause as “a fightback against female erasure”. On their website, they say: “We do not believe humans can change sex, or that one can be born in the wrong body.”
In a statement shared on social media leading up to the protests, Bristol Against Hate said: “Right-wing agitators intend to host a transphobic rally. We are clear: trans rights are human rights and these rights will be defended.”
Police officers kept a watchful eye on the proceedings on College Green
Standing for Women define women as an ‘adult human female’. The group does not believe trans women are women.
‘Trans rights now’
‘Trans rights are human rights’
All photos & video: Betty Woolerton
Read more: Bristol decries trans conversion therapy
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