THE year is 2025 and the UK is meant to be a place of freedom of expression – although sadly not judging by some of the commentary linked to my coverage of Warrington Pride.
Following my visit to the Warrington Pride on Saturday, I was shocked and horrified by the level of homophobia and abuse directed at our LGBTQ+ community in my online coverage.
Numerous comments posted under a short video of the event I published on our Facebook page made me feel like I had been teleported back in time to the 1960s.
I had to monitor proceedings and spent a great deal of time deleting and hiding many of the comments, while also leaving some in public to help expose those responsible for their vile rants.
Comments ranged from “Who cares about this gay s**t” to “What a load of boll**ks, who wants to see this” and others I feel unable to publish.
I’ve worked as a journalist for more than 40 years and consider myself broad-minded but some of the comments were truly appalling.
It certainly left my pride in my home town dented, realising these people, with no tolerance for how others lead their lives, walk amongst us.
We have already seen people sent to prison for inciting hatred on social media – but clearly not enough to become a deterrent.
From what I could see, everyone taking part was having a great time and it certainly brought plenty of colour and music spread across the town centre in Golden Square and Times Square, generating lost of much-needed income for local businesses.
Those who felt it necessary to post their vile abuse on social media have achieved one thing – my full support whenever possible for everything PRIDE related in Warrington and beyond.
I will also be spending some time weeding out the serial offenders so they can no longer view or comment on our social media posts – and will consider referring the worst offenders to the local police to see if they warrant further action.
If you don’t want to celebrate or support PRIDE that is your freedom of expression but here at Warrington-Worldwide we will not tolerate homophobia or personal attacks on people based on their gender or choice of gender.
Here’s looking forward to next year’s PRIDE event and congratulations to all involved in organising a vibrant event for our town centre.
*While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and can be subject to certain restrictions. These limitations are often outlined in national laws and international human rights instruments.
1 Comment
Well said Gary. I remember how bad in general comments were made on your discussion forum about all issues and how you fought hard to control the flame wars that used to break out. It gave me loads of material for my IT dissertation for my 21st Century MSc. Looks like it’s gone to another level since 2010. Fifteen years later!