Trans picnic targeted by two groups in Manchester

Organisers of a trans picnic in the park in Manchester have taken to social media after the event was targeted by “groups of young men, intent on harassing, intimidating, and threatening our friends and picnic-goers”.

Writing on social media, organisers said that one pair “tore down a Progress Pride flag”, “threatened to violently assault” a member with a knife, and “burnt the flag” in front of the group, before leaving.

In the second incident another group of three men approached the picnic area, “shouting abuse, and tore down the remaining Trans and Non-Binary pride flags”.

Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, which organised the event, said on Instagram: “We had hoped today to be sharing news of a joyous day spent at our Trans Picnic in the Park community event, and whilst we were exceptionally glad to see everyone join us in sharing the sunshine and lovely food, we cannot ignore what also occurred yesterday.

“Whilst thankfully no one in our community was physically harmed, thanks in part to the intervention of several of our members, this blatant attack on our right to feel safe as a community is a disgusting display of the impunity and hatred with which parts of our society treat their trans siblings.

“This was an obvious attack on our community, perpetrated by those who know they will face no repercussions for their attack, and Trans Mutual Aid Manchester cannot strongly enough condemn this sort of violent intimidation.

“Trans Mutual Aid Manchester will not stand for this, and we call on those outside our community to take steps to defend us, and to those within our community we promise that we will be taking increasing steps to ensure the safety and security of our events and our community.”

Both incidents were reported immediately to the Police, however Trans Mutual Aid Manchester has said they “do not expect any positive outcome from this”.