Trans Activist Criticizes Violent Behavior at Anti-Trans Rally
A prominent transgender activist has spoken out against aggressive actions by "gender-critical" protesters after sustaining an injury during a counter-protest in Nottingham.
The activist group Nottingham Against Transphobia (NAT) organized a counter-demonstration in opposition to a rally led by known anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, who also goes by the name Posie Parker. The event took place on Saturday, February 8th.
The rally was organized by the group 'Let Women Speak', which advocates for the exclusion of transgender women from women's spaces under the guise of feminism. This group, created by Keen-Minshull, has faced criticism for promoting anti-transgender views.
At the Nottingham rally, Keen-Minshull was joined by several "gender-critical" speakers, where she labeled the counter-protesters as "misogynists." Despite attempts to maintain peace, Anna, a trans woman and co-leader of NAT, reported that the "gender-critical" protesters displayed physical aggression towards her and other attendees.
Anna recounted, "There was a lot of aggression. A lot of very angry men shouting at women, and I was in a position where I had to put myself between these snarling men."
Nottingham Against Transphobia shared images from their counter-rally on Instagram, illustrating the vibrant and creative atmosphere among their supporters.
Following the event, Anna detailed in an Instagram post that she was assaulted when someone attempted to seize her microphone, resulting in a cut on her hand. She informed LGBTQ+ news outlet PinkNews that several individuals in the anti-trans crowd tried to intimidate and insult the counter-protesters.
"They were trying to bully us," Anna said. "A lot of what they were saying was just general schoolyard bullying. One of the older men was shouting, getting in people’s faces, and repeatedly chanting 'paedophile'. They were really aggressive."
According to Anna, other members of the crowd experienced pushing and shoving. She emphasized, "We were not aggressive in any way. When we all get together to do something like this, there is such a great energy. Most of the people there are very colorful people, very creative, which creates a wonderful atmosphere."
After Anna's hand began to bleed, she reported the incident to a police officer. This occurred around the time the opposing crowd began to disperse.
'Let Women Speak' continued their rally outside Nottingham Central Police Station, which was broadcast live online by Keen-Minshull.
According to estimates from the Socialist Worker, a leftist news organization, approximately 250 trans rights activists attended the counter-protest, significantly outnumbering the roughly 50 individuals at the 'Let Women Speak' rally.
"A Proud History of Solidarity"
"People spontaneously got up and made really moving speeches," Anna continued. "When we were there, it was nerve-wracking, but as soon as we were in our own company, it was such a wonderful atmosphere."
Among the attendees was Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, who later commended the protesters for their stand against bigotry.
"Nottingham has a proud history of solidarity. We look after each other and we don’t fall for con artists playing divide and rule," the Labour MP expressed on Instagram. "They’re lying about standing up for women: all they’re advancing is patriarchal gender roles and the growth of the far right. Their movement is a danger to trans people and all women."
"Thank you to Nottingham Against Transphobia and to every single person who came, drowning out their hatred with our solidarity," Whittome added.
A police spokesperson confirmed to PinkNews, "We are investigating a report of an assault on a woman in Old Market Square, Nottingham, on Saturday, February 8th. The victim was not seriously injured and is assisting officers with their inquiries. The investigation remains ongoing."
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. As always, we encourage a respectful and open dialogue.
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