Pride flags set on fire and torn down but defiant LGBT+ group marches on

An LGBQT+ event is installing extra security measures after a Pride banner was burnt by homophobes just a few days after it was put up.

Residents in Rushden, Northamptonshire, were left ‘devastated’ after the banner, which was made for a three-day Pride event, was left with big, black holes scorched through.

It had lasted just four days after it was erected on some local railings last Wednesday, with the burn marks appearing on Saturday.

And it is not the group’s first banner. Their original one suddenly disappeared after being placed outside of Asda on Washbrook Road.

Sapphire Matthewman, one of the organizers of Rushden Pride, said she was ‘distraught’ upon finding out their latest one, which cost around £160 was set alight

She told Metro: ‘It’s not surprising, when we announced the event with one of the banners there were loads of comments saying “burn it”.

‘I can’t talk about it without crying. Because it’s not just taking from us, we have partnered with two charities, Serve and Stonewall. It feels like they are taking from them.’

Rushden Pride will still go ahead despite the banner burning, but with increased security.

Sapphire said police will patrol the event, as well as tightened security on who can enter.

Traya Buns, a drag queen who paid £160 out of their own pocket to pay for the now-burnt banner, described it as a ‘kick in the guts’ as homophobia rises in the area.

They told Metro: ‘Something inside me told me this banner, like the last one, won’t last.’

Traya said they have suffered a growing number of homophobic assaults in public.

This includes being called a ‘tranny’ in public and spending hours deleting social media accounts.

Thames Valley Police: ‘The incident happened between 9pm on Friday, June 5, and midday on Saturday, June 6, and the local neighborhood Policing Team are investigating it, not only as one of criminal damage, but also as a suspected hate crime.

‘In addition, the team are also investigating the theft of a previous banner.

‘We are engaging with the organizers of Rushden Pride and the local LGBT+ community relating to this incident and forthcoming Pride events. Anyone with any concerns is welcome to contact us.’

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