Pride volunteers in South Tyneside have been subjected to what has been described as 'disgraceful' abuse after banners promoting a family-friendly event were torn down and damaged. The banners, promoting Hebburn Pride, were left hanging from railings less than 24 hours after being put up. As volunteers attempted to repair the damage, they were met with verbal abuse from members of the public.
Incident Details
The banners were installed by volunteers on a Tyneside street to promote the upcoming Hebburn Pride event. Within a day, several banners had been torn down, with some left dangling from railings. The volunteers who tried to fix them were subjected to unpleasant comments and abuse from passersby.
Response from Pride in Hebburn
A statement from Pride in Hebburn expressed disappointment but reaffirmed their commitment to the cause. 'This is exactly why Pride still matters. Pride is not about division, politics, or excluding anyone. It is about creating a community where people feel accepted, respected, and free to be themselves,' the statement read. The organisation emphasised that the event is a free family-friendly occasion with rides, bouncy castles, face painting, live music, and children's activities, organised entirely by volunteers.
The statement added: 'A few damaged banners and some unpleasant comments won't stop us. If anything, they remind us why acceptance, kindness, and inclusion are so important. To the many people who have supported us, thank you. Your kindness will always be louder than the negativity of a few.'
Political Reaction
Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, Kate Osborne, condemned the incident as 'absolutely disgraceful'. In a statement, she said: 'Overnight, Pride in Hebburn banners were torn down and damaged - less than 24 hours after volunteers had put them up. Volunteers trying to repair the damage were then subjected to abuse, which is absolutely disgraceful.'
Osborne also criticised local council leadership, noting that Reform leaderships in South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, and Durham have shown indifference or disdain towards Pride. She wrote to Councillor Paul Mackings expressing disappointment over the removal of the Pride flag after just one day. 'Let's be clear: the financial contributions to Prides from council is minimal - but the signal this rhetoric sends is that the LGBT+ community are not welcome. This hate will not win. To every LGBT+ person who has seen this and felt unsafe or unwelcome: you are not alone, our community stands with you, and the majority stand with you,' she added.
