A trans community event in Manchester was marred by two alarming incidents on Thursday, 3 April, in which groups of men reportedly burned a Pride flag and threatened attendees with violence, including the use of a knife.
Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, which organised the “Trans Picnic in the Park” event at Platt Fields Park, reported that its gathering was targeted on two separate occasions by individuals intent on intimidation and harassment.
In the first incident, two men allegedly tore down a Progress Pride flag, set it on fire in front of attendees, and threatened one of the group’s members with a knife. The second incident involved a separate group of men who reportedly shouted abuse and destroyed other Pride flags representing the trans and non-binary communities.
Thanks to the swift actions of several members, no one was physically harmed. However, the organisers stated, “This was an obvious attack on our community, perpetrated by those who know they will face no repercussions for their attack.”
They added: “To those outside the trans community, we hope this can be something of a wake-up call to know the kind of rampant abuse we face by those who know they can attack us freely.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed it was aware of the incidents and has opened a crime report into potential arson, theft, and hate crimes. A statement provided to PinkNews by GMP reads: “We have been made aware of an incident after a Progress Pride Flag was set on fire and three other pride flags were stolen on Thursday, 3 April in Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Ian Haselden from GMP’s South Manchester division stated: “We take all reports of this kind of criminality very seriously and we are now working with the community to investigate this incident and support victims or anyone who may have been affected by this.”
The incidents come amid a backdrop of increasing hostility against trans people in the UK. Figures released in October 2024 revealed that 4,780 transphobic hate crimes were reported in the 12 months to March 2024—a number advocacy groups have labelled as “deeply worrying”.
Stonewall chief executive Simon Blake commented on the broader rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, saying: “A rise in hatred towards one marginalised group is harmful to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, and has a corrosive effect across society. We stand together with everyone affected by hate crime, whatever community they are part of.”
