The Queer Running Club (QRC), an LGBTQ+ running group in East London, is facing allegations of discrimination after barring Israeli photographer Omer Ga’ash from covering one of its events when he declined to confirm a “pro-Palestine” stance.
Mr. Ga’ash, who had offered his services for free, expected credit for his work and future paid opportunities through the collaboration. However, QRC allegedly reached out the day before the event, requesting he confirm his “pro-Palestine” position, noting, “QRC has been (and continues to be) firmly pro-Palestine,” and expressing a desire for this to align with Mr. Ga’ash’s own views.
Mr. Ga’ash, an Israeli who has lived in the UK for years, informed QRC that he keeps his personal views separate from his professional work. In a message to the club, he wrote, “I love my queer community despite any differences we may have…My goal for tomorrow is for you lovelies to have wonderful photos to use.” Despite his statement, QRC responded that they could not “separate our politics from our running” and postponed the shoot.
The incident has led UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) to file a report with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, alleging that QRC’s actions breach the Equality Act 2010 by denying Mr. Ga’ash work based on his nationality and political stance. Under sections 39(1)(c) and 39(2)(c) of the Act, UKLFI argues that the running club, as an employer, should not discriminate by withholding an offer of employment or subjecting an individual to disadvantageous treatment.
UKLFI further claims that the timing and manner in which the club requested Mr. Ga’ash’s political alignment, given ongoing hostilities involving Israel, imposed “harsh treatment” and unfairly pressured him into making a political declaration. The group highlights that the request came after the recent October 7 Hamas attacks, during a time of heightened sensitivity for Israeli individuals worldwide.
Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, commented, “It is very sad that an LGBTQ+ group feels they can discriminate against Israeli members of their own community…they are not only acting illegally but also in an extremely insensitive manner.”
The Queer Running Club, established as a “safe space for queer and trans people,” is led by Kole Fulmine, an ambassador for the Lululemon brand. The club describes itself as inherently political and aimed at creating a support network against the systemic challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities. However, UKLFI has raised concerns about the group’s grant funding from Pride in London (PiL), which explicitly avoids supporting projects that exclude LGBTQ+ community members.
Pride in London noted that while it “disappointed” to hear of negative experiences, the organisation is not positioned to address alleged breaches of the Equality Act directly. PiL also maintained that it did not believe the terms of its grant funding were violated, as there was no indication that QRC excluded an entire segment of the community.
The Human Rights and Equality Commission has stated it is considering possible actions against QRC.
, an LGBTQ+ running group in East London, is facing allegations of discrimination after barring Israeli photographer Omer Ga’ash from covering one of its events when he declined to confirm a "pro-Palestine" stance.){kind=link}