Outpouring of support in wake of ‘hate crime’ in park

People are rallying together to show support for the trans community after a report of a “hate crime incident” at a Bristol Pride-organised event on Sunday afternoon.

Police were called to Castle Park at around 3pm to reports of “gel pellets being fired” towards the annual Trans Pride Picnic.

Some 100 members of the community, as well as allies, had come together to meet and chat in the run-up to Bristol Pride Day, which takes place on Saturday.

Despite no reports of any serious injuries, the force said attendees were left “shaken” and is treating the incident as a hate crime.

Disappointed to have been attacked by 2 people with BB guns today. Several people hit and shaken up.

— Trans Pride South West (@TransPrideSW) July 2, 2023

The alleged attack has been met by an outpouring of support.

“There is no place for this is our city – ever – and our trans sibling have every right to feel safe and at home here,” said LQBTQ+ rugby team Bristol Bisons.

Charity Stand Against Racism & Inequality said: “People should be able to gather for a joyful event without feeling afraid. We stand with all those affected by this.

Green councillor for Central ward Ani Stafford-Townsend added: “The trans community have always been a key part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are currently literally & figuratively under attack by our government & the far right.

“We must stand together.”

Our statement on the @TransPrideSW picnic ?️‍⚧️ Bristol Pride are all sending love and solidarity pic.twitter.com/BUY2amg6aH

— Bristol Pride (@BristolPride) July 3, 2023

The Trans Pride Picnic, described as “a relaxed and social event, open to everybody including allies of the trans / non-binary community”, was part of a fortnight of queer-friendly events to celebrate Bristol Pride 2023.

In a statement, Bristol Pride said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that someone decided to fire BB pellets at those attending the Trans Pride picnic on Sunday afternoon.

“An event where people simply wanted to come together to enjoy a picnic together as a community. They were swiftly chased off and the Police are dealing with the matter as a hate crime.

“Whilst many may say they are shocked to hear this, it is a sad reality that the community is currently under attack and acts as a further reminder that online hate can enter everyday life.

“It highlights why we have Pride events and why we all must stand together in solidarity with the Trans community.

“The event was not disrupted further and went ahead to be an event filled with joy and togetherness.

Trans Pride South West describes itself as “an unincorporated association celebrating the diversity of transgender, non-binary, intersex & gender non-conforming individuals – photo: Tim Maynard

Avon and Somerset Police’s chief inspector Stephanie McKenna said: “We take hate crime very seriously and will not tolerate it.

“No-one should have to put up with offences like this, or face discrimination or prejudice just for being themselves.

“We’ve made contact with the organisers of Bristol Pride to keep them updated on our investigation and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of hate crime to report it.

“As with all large events, officers will be in Bristol this weekend to keep the community safe, and if anyone has any concerns, please stop and speak to one of our officers who will be happy to help.”

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 2.30-3pm who may have seen two men, one described as white and the other as mixed race, both in their early 20s and wearing black clothing.

“They were seen leaving the scene in the direction of Bristol Bridge.

Anyone with relevant information of footage is asked to contact 101 and quote reference 5223157339.

The incident comes two weeks after a billboard advertising Bristol Pride was set alight in what event organisers “assume was a targeted action against our LGBT+ community”.

Main photo: Trans Pride South West

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