United Kingdom: Right-wing Protesters Attack And Injure Reporter Jess O’Thomson At Drag Storytelling Event
Journalist Jess O’Thomson was crushed against a wall and left swollen and bruised after right-wing protestors attack LGBTQI activists
Location: United Kingdom, Lewisham
Date: June 24, 2023
Trans Safety Network reporter Jess O’Thomson was injured by far-right protestors attacking LGBTQI activists, leaving her crushed against a pub wall. She suffered significant swelling, bruising, and pain, including a bruise in the shape of a footprint. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the rise in anti-trans rhetoric in British media and among politicians. It has resulted in a regression of trans rights and a surge in anti-trans views amongst the public. Reporters covering these issues meet the same fate. CFWIJ condemns the attack on the journalist and urges the Met Police to investigate and identify far-right protestors responsible for violence against O’Thomson and LGBTQI activists.
“I have never been as frightened as I was reporting on Saturday morning,” writes journalist Jess O’Thomson recalling her experience covering anti-drag demonstrations in Lewisham on June 24, 2023. Approximately 50 right-wing demonstrators, including members of The League of Young British Patriots and Turning Point UK, charged at trans rights advocates and their supporters who were defending a drag storytelling event hosted by the renowned drag artist That Girl.
Trans rights activist Ada Cable was also assaulted and left bloodied by protestors.
Trans activist Ada Cable after being attacked by right-wing protestors. CREDIT: Trans Safety Network
The Metropolitan Police confirmed three arrests during the disturbances, with two individuals charged with assault and one taken into custody for a public order offense.
The assault by right-wing groups on LGBTQI activists is not the first instance of violence at the same event. LGBTQI activists and the Mayor of Lewisham accused the police of siding with the right-wing protestors during the clashes.
Right-wing protestors
Right-wing group Turning Point UK has been organizing protests outside the Lewisham pub for months, claiming that the children's story events hosted by drag acts are akin to "grooming." Supporters of the monthly event argue that these are harmless storytelling sessions for families with no sexual content.
Turning Point UK, which opposes what it perceives as the "tyranny of woke ideology," has connections to the ruling Conservative Party, with Tory MP Marco Longhi listed as its honorary president. The organization originates from an American far-right group closely associated with former US president Donald Trump. Opposition parties have called for the Conservatives to cut ties with Turning Point UK for its harmful views toward the LGBTQI community.
Increasing hostility towards trans people in the UK
The UK's stance on transgender rights has taken a distressing turn, with anti-trans rhetoric permeating politics and the media. As a result, public support for trans issues has dwindled, and trans rights have regressed. Once a leader in Europe for transgender rights, the UK now languishes in the 21st place.
The Conservative Party has consistently shown disregard and disrespect for legislation safeguarding the trans community. Some of its politicians, including current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have openly espoused offensive remarks about trans people.
In January 2023, the UK government blocked a crucial law in Scotland that sought to grant legal gender changes without the need for a medical diagnosis. The incident caused fury among Scottish MPs, who are set to challenge this decision in court later this year.
The media landscape has also played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Research by activist MimmyMum reveals that the Daily Mail, the country's most widely read newspaper, has witnessed a substantial surge in negative coverage of trans issues in recent years.
This negative narrative perpetuated by the media has contributed to a detrimental shift in the nation's perception of trans rights in the UK.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed at the rising negativity towards trans people in the UK. Right-wing attacks on LGBTQI protestors have been ongoing for months and are escalating. Harmful rhetoric from mainstream media and politicians contributes to an unsafe environment for trans people.
We condemn the assault on Jess O’Thomson and call on the Met Police to launch a swift investigation into those perpetrating violence against activists and journalists.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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